FINDING a predator to turn dominance into goals has been an Achilles’ heel for Oxford United this season, but Michael Appleton is hopeful two candidates will emerge over the festive period.

The side’s 2-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday in many ways neatly summed up the season so far.

They played some sparkling football and their grip on the game was so strong it prompted one member of the Rovers board to apologise to the visiting directors.

For Appleton it shows the side are still some way off the finished article, but the U’s head coach thinks his squad does contain players with the necessary ruthless streak, one of whom could play against Hartlepool United tomorrow.

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He said: “The amount of times the ball was whizzed across the six-yard box on Tuesday night just goes to show we are where we are in terms of having that poacher.

“I think James Roberts in the short spell he had in the team showed he has that instinct and hopefully John Campbell over a period of time will prove he’s got that.”

Roberts was a big hit last month, with two of his three goals coming from within the six-yard box – just the sort of unspectacular goals which United have lacked at times.

The teenager has made his return from a hamstring injury in midweek, but will not travel as he is protected for the Christmas games next week.

Campbell, though, could be involved and while his overall game lacks finesse after coming from non-league, it is outweighed by a knack for scoring.

Appleton said: “In training they come off his backside and his shin.

“He pounces on a mistake by one of the defenders and he gets lots of tap-ins.

“Ultimately if he plays on Saturday whether it’s for 20 minutes or from the start his job is to score goals, anything else will be a bonus.”

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