Oxford United made it six wins and a draw from their last seven league games to move within sight of the play-offs.

But only after boss Chris Wilder had taken them down a peg or two during yesterday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lewes.

He said the players looked “big-time” and “arrogant” – and said he wouldn’t stand for it.

In the end, the U’s showed commendable qualities to keep going in the second half and register a fifth straight home win in the league thanks to Luke Foster’s 82nd-minute header from a corner.

They climbed to eighth in the Blue Square Premier, just five points behind the play-off places, though they have played more games than most of their rivals.

Wilder was not impressed by their attitude in the first half, however.

“In the first 25-40 minutes they thought they were big-time and they were arrogant. I won’t have that,” he blasted.

“They were playing as individuals and not as a team, they were throwing their arms into the air and being petulant. Me and Mickey Lewis weren’t happy and we had a go at them at half-time.

“It was a warning to my players.

“I’m a team man, and we didn’t have a team out there. But we were much more together in the second half.”

United, who had trailed to an early Joseph Keehan goal – equalising through Adam Murray – then stared defeat in the face again when the ref awarded what looked a harsh penalty against Chris Willmott who, in going for a tackle, also kicked Keehan’s foot.

“I thought it was a ridiculous penalty,” said the U’s boss. “But Billy Turley made a great save.

“We had to overcome stubborn resistance, but we always knew they would be like that “The players were desperate to win and I think they showed that. We were totally dominant in the last 25 minutes.”

However, Wilder hopes his new-look team, which inc-luded latest signing Craig Farrell, will have learned a lesson.

“It’s a warning for the players that nothing is handed on a plate to you,” he added.

“It was as if they thought it was just going to be a stroll.

“It was easy for them at the start and I think they thought it was going to be like that for them all game.

“Farrell linked the play well and was reliable, something we haven’t had for a while. He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score, but he’s an intelligent player and will be a good acquisition, I’m sure.”

Wilder hopes to make one final capture before this evening’s transfer deadline.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed we can get this player because he would be a really good signing,” he said.

“He would be my first really decent signing, in terms of giving length of contract to.”