Oxford United striker Oli Johnson can’t wait for this Satur-day’s showdown with Swindon Town, but he wants the U’s to stop conceding early goals.
United have gone a goal down inside the opening 20 minutes in three of their last six games.
Although Chris Wilder’s side overcame the early setback in last Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Barnet, they could not repeat the feat in the clash with Macclesfield Town.
Johnson struck just before half-time to cancel out Michael Duberry’s own goal, but the lowly Silkmen hung on to claim a share of the points in a 1-1 draw.
The U’s goalscorer admitted the result against a mediocre visiting side felt like a defeat and they need to snuff out the habit of going a goal down – particularly with npower League Two leaders Swindon Town visiting for the high-noon derby.
Johnson said: “We seem to think if we can get the early goal we’re in the ascendancy and everyone can relax. But we’re making it hard for ourselves and weren’t able to overturn the deficit on Saturday.
“It was a disappointing start, but I don’t think you can put it all down to that.
“In the second half, we were on level terms, but didn’t hit the heights – it wasn’t good enough at all.”
The 24-year-old has scored twice from three starts since joining United as a free agent last month.
He is still attempting to play his way back into some consistent form after a disruptive season which included a loan spell at Yeovil Town before being released by Norwich City.
The good news for U’s fans is he believes there is plenty more to come with regular football.
“I’m fairly happy with my goals return, but performance-wise I need to up it a bit, definitely,” he said.
“I’m just getting into the rhythm of playing games again. I need to add more, but hopefully that will come.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel