OXFORD United’s attacking resources are the deepest they have been all season, but taking chances remains head coach Michael Appleton’s biggest headache.

Defensive improvements have been made in recent weeks – and the grit shown in last weekend’s goalless draw at Portsmouth will be needed once more at in-form Bury tomorrow.

But while United have conceded just five goals in the last seven games, they have scored an average of one goal every 90 minutes over the same period.

It has become a recurring issue throughout the season.

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In a bid to improve the return, Armand Gnanduillet, Kemar Roofe, Alex MacDonald and Giorgio Rasulo have signed in recent weeks.

They have joined the likes of Patrick Hoban, Danny Hylton and James Roberts to compete for places at the top of the field.

Appleton acknowledges there is now the strongest strike unit at his disposal since joining the club last summer and is hoping to find the combination which finally unlocks the goals.

“Where we are right now, we’re definitely stronger (up front) than we’ve been all season,” he said.

“So it’s up to them to produce and we’ve got to get people creating opportunities for them.

“When you get the chances, they’ve got to have the composure to make sure they do better.

“It’s just getting the balance right.

“We’ve scored four goals in the last three games and only conceded one, so it depends if your glass is half full or half empty.

“Dare I say it we look quite solid at the minute defensively.

“We’ve got players who understand their roles, I’m just hoping we have a purple patch in front of goal.”

The U’s boss says the club have been playing catch-up ever since last summer’s takeover, by which time the majority of strikers on the market had been snapped up.

He is adamant Hoban, yet to score in nine appearances since being signed in November, is the goalscorer the side have been needing.

Appleton said: “When he does get (off the mark) he will score goals because he’s proven in the last two and a half seasons in Ireland.

“He’s just going through one of those periods where people are clearing it off the line and getting blocks in.

“But the biggest thing I said to him was the work you’ve done for the rest of the team is phenomenal.”

Will Hoskins is another option after returning to full training, but with injuries restricting him to just six appearances since signing in August, Appleton wants to be sure.

He said: “Will’s desperate to get back into the frame, but I have to be comfortable he can not only last a game of football, but he can do it at match pace.”