KARL Robinson says Oxford United could be like a ‘coiled spring’ against Lincoln City as they bid to put a frustrating week behind them.

The U’s had 22 shots and several more openings against Bolton Wanderers last Saturday and at Queens Park Rangers in midweek, but only scored once and were beaten in both games.

It has put the brakes on a positive opening fortnight of the season, although it must be said United performed well across the two matches.

Robinson feels his side can channel their frustration into tomorrow’s visit of last season’s Sky Bet League One play-off finalists.

The U’s head coach said: “We felt we should have won the game on Tuesday.

“We let ourselves down for 25 minutes in that first half and if you take that out we should have got more than we did.

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“There’s a little bit of anger coming away from the game.

“We’ve played well again and not won – I can sense a coiled spring scenario.

“We can’t keep playing well and missing chances and I think Saturday could be the one.

“Ten points from the first five games would be an exceptional start.

“That’s got to be the boys’ objective at the weekend.”

Lincoln find themselves in the position United were 12 months ago, as they seek to bounce back from Wembley disappointment and go one better.

But football was put in perspective when manager Michael Appleton, who was in charge of the U’s from 2014 to 2017, revealed he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer last month.

Fortunately, it was discovered at an early stage and the 45-year-old only took ten days off work for a ‘routine’ operation.

Appleton is now back on the touchline and Robinson will be pleased to see a man he has great admiration for.

He said: “I spoke to him when the news came out.

“He’s quite close to a lot of people here, people know the type of person he is and what he did for this football club was fantastic.

“He’s someone that cares and he’s got good people around him.

“When the news first broke it was a worry, but they hopefully got it early enough to sort it out.

“He’s one of those people you like competing against because of the way they are and the way they conduct themselves, so I’m sure he’ll get a great reception as well.”