AUTOMATIC promotion is looking a distant dream for Oxford United after they lost 2-0 to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, slipping to only their second home defeat of the season.

After four straight Nationwide Conference wins and improved performances, this was a jolt back to reality with the second-placed U's returning to their poor midwinter form.

Both Forest Green goals, scored by Danny Carey-Bertram in the 45th and 58th minutes, came at corners where United failed to deal with a header and then Eddie Anaclet couldn't prevent Carey-Bertram netting from close range.

United never really got going as an attacking force against a side who marked and closed down quickly.

Carey-Bertram almost scored before he struck just before half-time, when he raced through on goal but was denied by Billy Turley saving with his legs.

Rob Duffy was booked in the first half and is now suspended for two games for collecting ten yellow cards.

His ban will start at Altrincham next Saturday but he is available for Tuesday's home game against Kidderminster.

Manager Jim Smith substituted him before half-time to prevent him getting a red card.

But his replacement, Marvin Robinson, didn't look sharp, and playmaker Andy Burgess disappointed out on the flanks.

Yemi Odubade had an opportunity to pull a goal back near the end but fired his angled drive over.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Day, Corcoran, Gilchrist, Johnson (Hargreaves 46), Anaclet, M Foster, Rose, Burgess, Duffy (Robinson 38), Odubade. Subs not used: Pettefer, Tardif, Coombes.

Booking: Duffy.

Att: 6,157.