OXFORD United manager Malcolm Shotton will fine his record signing Dean Windass after he was booked for dissent against Sheffield United on Sat-urday.

It was the six-goal striker's fifth booking of the season and he will now miss United's Division 1 game at Watford on November 7.

However, despite collecting just one point from the last 15 and dropping into the bottom three, Shotton's message to players and fans is: "Don't panic!"

He said: "It's not a crisis at the moment. We're creating chances, it's just that we're not taking them and at the other end we're getting punished for individual mistakes.

"I'd be more worried if we weren't creating chances but I do believe there's not too much wrong.

"If we had scored early against Sheffield United it would have been an entirely different match."

United's current problems revolve around not having forwards who stick the ball in the net so Shotton is unhappy that Windass, his most dangerous striker, will now be banned for the game at Vicarage Road where the U's will be looking to break their duck away from home. "If it was a booking for dissent then he'll be fined a proportion of his wages," said Shotton.

"That's what I've done with other players who have been booked for dissent and Dean will be no different. But I'll wait for the referee's report first before I do it."

Shotton had more sympathy with left back Simon Marsh who will also have to miss the Watford match after picking up his fifth caution for a foul in the Blades' 2-0 win at the Manor.

"Most of the bookings, on both sides, were disgraceful. The worst tackle of the game was one by Steve Bruce on Joey Beauchamp yet the referee did nothing," said Shotton.

Kevin Francis continues to have strengthening exercises following his lengthy knee injury. Nicky Banger trained yesterday and could come into contention for United's home game with Crewe this Saturday.

Defender Steve Davis has had an injection to reduce the inflammation in the back of his Achilles and ankle and may also be back soon to give Shotton the shot-in-the-arm he needs.

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