ALEX Mowatt knows Oxford United missed a big opportunity to build on their strong start to 2018 as Walsall pinched a 2-1 win.

The U’s looked more dangerous, but defensive mistakes allowed the Saddlers to build a 2-0 lead.

Mowatt’s free-kick reduced the arrears 20 minutes from time, setting up a frenetic finish where United were thwarted by an outstanding display from Walsall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

And the Barnsley loanee was in no doubt the visitors had the chances to be celebrating a third successive victory in Sky Bet League One.

“I think they had two or three chances and we must have had nine or ten,” he said.

“It was disappointing really, we should have won the game.

“We put a lot of pressure on them after we scored. We were flooding the box and should have got another goal.”

He added: “There were no problems and we should have been 2-0 or 3-0 up at half-time.

“Instead we go in 1-0 down and we’re always fighting an uphill battle.”

The 22-year-old’s set-piece, his third goal of the season, was the only effort to beat Roberts on the day.

And while the goalkeeper was otherwise on top form, his positioning made up Mowatt’s mind.

He said: “I saw where the keeper was stood and he left that side open a bit more than the other.

“I just had it in my mind that I was going that side and once I hit it I knew it was going in.”