James Constable conceded he was maybe trying too hard as chances came and went against Mansfield on Saturday – but it came right in the end with two late goals to settle the match, writes JON MURRAY.

Oxford United’s leading scorer took his tally to 23 (that count) this season with strikes in the 73rd and 86th minutes at the Kassam Stadium.

Before that, though, he hadn’t had the best of games.

“We had some good chances and maybe could have done better with a few of them,” he agreed.

“We had a chat at half-time and knew that if we created a few in the second half, we’d take them and get the three points, like we did.

“It was maybe a bit of trying too hard. It was just a case of believing, and we knew it would come good, and on a hot day it was nice to get a couple at the end.”

United’s acting skipper admitted the contributions of Adam Chapman, and especially subs Alfie Potter and Sam Deering, were crucial.

“Chappy’s a great player and since he’s come in, he hasn’t really looked back,” he said.

“First half I missed a couple of chances. It was one of those games where I was maybe trying too desperately hard to impress, on a hot day, and it maybe took a bit out of us in the first half.

“But in the second half, the subs made a massive difference. Sam and Alfie coming on gave us that extra boost and they created both goals.

“Their energy lifted the whole team and they’re great players to be able to chuck on.

“They can start as well, they’ve got the fitness to do it from the start, but especially when they come on, they can give us that injection of pace we need.”

Mansfield manager David Holdsworth felt United’s supporters helped bring their team the win.

“Oxford’s fans behind that goal were almost sucking the ball in during the second half, and the changes made a difference. Potter and Deering are good players.”