It was a tough afternoon for us, and as a group, we struggled to find the intensity and concentration we needed to compete at our best. Coming off a tough game on Tuesday and a long trip to Oxford, it showed in the first half, where we weren’t quite at the levels we expect of ourselves.

Conceding two goals in the 8th and 33rd minutes left us with an uphill battle. There’s a sense of frustration with the second goal, as it looked like the ball may have gone out of play before it led to the finish, but ultimately we have to defend those situations better. It’s something we’ll review and address as a team.

In the second half, we made some changes to bring more energy into the side, and there was a response in terms of effort and commitment. That said, Oxford remained a real threat throughout and managed the game well, making it difficult for us to get back into it.

We’ll take this as a collective learning experience. It’s my responsibility to ensure the squad is physically and mentally ready for every challenge, and we’ll use this to improve going forward. One thing I know about this group is their resilience and character, and I have every confidence we’ll bounce back stronger.

Finally, a big thank you to the travelling supporters for making the journey and sticking with us. Your support means everything, and we’re determined to deliver the results and performances you deserve.