CHRIS Wilder said that although he was not able to field his strongest side, he won’t use injuries as an excuse for Oxford United’s exit, writes MARK EDW-ARDS.

Michael Duberry, Alfie Potter and Liam Davis – all key first-team players this season – were all missing.

And the influential Peter Leven was forced off on the hour mark following a heavy challenge.

The absence of the three key men, as well as five others through injury or suspension, meant that Wilder had to name Anthony Tonkin as a a substitute along with youngsters Tyrone Marsh and Max Crocombe – and even Ryan James’s name was put down despite him not actually being on the bench.

“Yes, we’ve been smashed on the injury front,” Wilder said.

“But I still expect whatever team I put out to compete and be good enough to try and get something.

“Lev got a knee to the hip and he couldn’t carry on, so it’s not great on that front.

“You look at the bench and I’ve got a kid (Marsh), a young goalkeeper (Crocombe) and just to fill the bench I just put Ryan James’s name down.

“It will be a very quiet bus journey home.”