Michael Appleton was left disappointed by Oxford United’s lack of cutting edge, after his side did everything but score against promotion-chasing Shrewsbury Town, writes JACK JOHNSON.

United’s head coach cut a frustrated figure at the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday, as Oxford were unable to turn a positive performance into what would have been a crucial result.

Liam Lawrence’s early penalty and late free-kick sealed the win for Shrewsbury, but the U’s were left disappointed at the number of opportunities they were unable to convert.

Danny Hylton and Kemar Roofe were both denied on several occasions, while the hosts defended astutely to keep a clean sheet.

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United have failed to score in their last three games and Appleton is urging his forwards to make the most of their chances.

He said: “We’re kicking ourselves in the foot by not taking opportunities and at the minute we’re having to keep clean sheets to win games.

“It’s not a question of the defenders not doing their jobs, they are obviously being punished for small errors because the attacking players are not taking the responsibility.

“I was frustrated by the fact that we couldn’t score, but certainly not by the way we were playing.”

Appleton named seven forwards in Saturday’s squad, while Patrick Hoban is yet to score in 13 appearances.

The loan window closes on Thursday and Appleton hinted he may look to strengthen his attacking options.

He said: “I’m convinced there is not an awful lot wrong with the group of players that are in there at the moment, but we certainly need to find a way of scoring goals.

“If somebody becomes available we will try and do it.”