Oxford boss Liam Manning admits they need to be more clinical in front of goal ahead of Saturday’s clash with Wanderers.

The U’s have scored just one goal in their last three matches and currently sit 20th in the League One table – two points above the relegation zone at this stage.

Manning’s side were held to a goalless draw at Port Vale on Monday afternoon and are now winless in their last 14 games as they battle to beat the drop.

Speaking after the game, the Oxford boss said: “There was enough there to win the game. We got into some dangerous areas although they led to nothing, but that’s down to confidence as well.

“In the second half in particular, we got into those good areas and didn’t use them enough. Now it’s on all of us - staff and players - to step up, take responsibility and make things happen. It’s not just going to fall for us, we have to force the issue so that will be the message.

“It’s a point, it’s a third unbeaten game away from home in this run of four and another clean sheet. Now we need one to fall for us or we need to force the issue to go and make it happen.

“We have four home games left, with the next two games both at home. That will be important. The fans were terrific - like they were against Sheffield Wednesday - and we will need them again on Saturday at home to Bolton.

“We can take plenty of positives, add to them, keep progressing and add that clinical ruthless edge to our game at the top end of the pitch, hopefully starting on Saturday.”

Former Bolton winger Dennis Politic was sent off in stoppage time following an incident with Stephan Negru.

“It was a terrible elbow. I have to say it was a shocker if you’re watching it back,” Manning added.

Wanderers suffered a 3-1 defeat when the sides met at the UniBol back in October despite Dion Charles’ second half strike.

The Whites ran out 3-2 winners on their last trip to the Kassam Stadium in February 2022, with Amadou Bakayoko scoring a dramatic late winner.