JOE Bennett rued a poor second half which saw Oxford United concede twice in the final 10 minutes to lose at home to Derby County.

Despite surging into an early 2-0 lead, the U’s suffered defeat against their Sky Bet League One promotion rivals following a second 45 minutes in which they couldn’t get wrestle back control of the game.

Bennett said United must be better in possession, as sloppiness on the ball further handed the Rams the initiative.

He said: “We started off so well with the goals so early on, and then that goal just before half-time just killed it a little bit.

“It wasn’t a good second half from us and we suffered the consequences of that.

“Set piece goals we need to work on that definitely, it’s not good enough, but they’re the goals that we’re conceding at the minute.

“We’ve got to be a little bit better on the ball as well because in the second half, we invited pressure and we’ve given the ball away so cheaply at times.

“The lads are bitterly disappointed with the result, but all we can do is try and win the next game.”