OXFORD United boss Jim Smith apologised to the fans after Saturday's bore draw against Burton Albion.

The second half, especially, became painful to watch as players constantly gave the ball away in the match-wrecking wind, and reverted to pointless long balls.

The 0-0 draw did not do United's play-off prospects any harm, because York and Stevenage both lost.

But United's manager had sympathy for those who were watching.

He said: "The wind was on top, but nothing else was.

"The defence was useless, the midfield was useless and the forwards were useless.

"I apologise to the fans. The wind did make it difficult, but our performance was pathetic really. Fortunately, we were playing a poor team on the day as well.

"If we're looking for some form of excuse it was that, with two or three injuries - and Andy Burgess and Gavin Johnson having to come off - we ended up having quite a lot of young players out there.

"But I expected more from my experienced midfielders today."

He later slightly toned down his criticism, but was clearly dissatisfied.

"Useless is probably too strong, but it was certainly disappointing," he added.

"If you don't pass the ball to a yellow shirt, you can't keep it, can you?

"I was very disappointed with the senior players in midfield. I felt they should have taken more responsibility, got the ball down if they could."

Smith was at a loss to understand the poor showing, especially since leaders Dagenham have long since surged away to the title.

Just one more win gives the Daggers promotion.

Smith added: "The pressure of winning the league, or getting points to catch Dagenham has been there before, but not today.

"They were difficult conditions, and I'd better keep my mouth shut about the referee, but it was very disappointing.

"Wind is the worst conditions you can play in, but I didn't think that we showed enough character.

"Yemi (Odubade), who was outstanding the other night, had a very poor game, as they all did. When they go from a big high to a low, that's the hardest thing to understand as a manager.

"I thought Burton came with a game plan to get a draw, and nick it.

"They'll be looking at their situation and working out that they can get enough points that way, by getting draws away and winning at home, that'll take them into the play-offs."

But United's own home form is a major worry. They have now managed just nine victories from 21 home games.

"Our away for has been excellent, but drawing nine at home is very disappointing," Smith said.

"We should have won six of those drawn games, and that's another 12 points - with that you'd be jostling for the championship."

THE injuries to Andy Burgess (hamstring) and Gavin Johnson (ankle) are not thought to be serious.

"Burge might miss next week, but from what I gather, it isn't a proper hamstring, it's a strain rather than a tear," said boss Jim Smith.

"To ba fair, Matty Day came on and was the best one we had on that side all afternoon.

"We ended up with a very young back four."