OXFORD United’s winless run on the road in Sky Bet League One continues and the story was all too familiar.

The U’s had the better of the opening 45 minutes at Cheltenham Town, enjoying a healthy share of possession in the hosts’ half – albeit without forcing many openings.

But after Gavin Whyte had a shot blocked four minutes after the break chances were few and far between, allowing the Robins to build up momentum.

Alfie May scored when Cheltenham were on top – something United have not done enough this season – and they saw the win out comfortably.

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The statistics do not look good for the U’s: five successive away defeats in all competitions, one goal from their last three matches, one point from three games against the newly-promoted sides.

As against Cambridge United, Bolton Wanderers and AFC Wimbledon, United were not ruthless enough.

The U’s have not hit back after their opponents scored in any of their four away games.

But at least against Bolton and Wimbledon they created chances after conceding, whereas they barely had a sight of goal in the 27 minutes between May’s winner and the full-time whistle.

You have to feel for Matty Taylor, who is living a frustrating existence as the lone striker.

Not much is falling to him and it seems that the harder he tries, the less goes his way.

Mark Sykes is the only United player to find the net in September and he impressed again, taking up good positions and moving the ball well.

Now 24 and in his fourth season at the club, the midfielder is happy to take responsibility - this was most evident when he addressed the smattering of boos from the away end after the final whistle, before facing up to the media.

See also: How we rated each Oxford United player at Cheltenham

United are all about these five-game blocks this season and there has been a pretty definitive split between the first and the second.

Their opening batch produced ten points and plenty of cause for optimism, but the lack of ruthlessness was starting to become apparent.

In the first three games of this block the U's have struggled to create chances and conceded soft goals at crucial times, although they defended well against Wycombe Wanderers.

Next up are home matches against Gillingham and Accrington Stanley, who both posed United problems at the Kassam Stadium last season.

There are no easy games in League One - as yesterday proved.