JOE Skarz is calling on Oxford United to prove their worth and get back on track against Morecambe this afternoon.

A trip to the Globe Arena is never an easy task, but the U’s head to Lancashire looking to address a run of three games without a win in all competitions.

It comes just four days after United conceded an 89th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at home to Mansfield Town in Sky Bet League Two.

With two of those three matches coming in cup competitions, the run has had little impact on United’s place in the top three.

But Skarz is calling on his teammates to show resolve and beat the Shrimps this afternoon to help strengthen their bid for automatic promotion.

“It is important (to have another game so quickly)”, said the 26-year-old.

“We’re disappointed about getting a point on Tuesday, but it is not all doom and gloom and we are just looking forward to Morecambe now.

“You have just got to get on with it.

“We didn’t lose and we know we can do better which is a positive thing.”

This weekend could prove to be a pivotal moment in the race for promotion, with six of the top eight playing each other.

And full back Skarz believes it will be important for United to keep their heads in the final third of the campaign.

He said: “There is nothing in the league really, it is fine margins.

“Every team now is fighting for something and it is just who can stay on a level head when things don’t go their way.”

One thing for certain is United will not be wavering from the target set by head coach Michael Appleton of eight points from every five games.

The U’s are yet to fail to reach that landmark so far this season, but have taken only four points from three matches in this block.

However, winger Alex MacDonald insists there is no extra pressure on Oxford ahead of today and the visit of leaders Northampton Town on Tuesday night.

The 25-year-old said: “I think there is pressure on us in every match.

“Regardless of if we hit the eight points in the first three games, we want to get as much as we can from each block.

“I think we have had it a few times this year where we have needed results in the last couple of games and we have got them.

“Hopefully we will get them this time, we will be prepared for Morecambe and see where we go from there.”