MICHAEL Appleton was left fuming at Oxford United’s inability to make the most of their chances as they lost 2-1 at Southend United last night.

The U’s head coach disputed the handball decision against Phil Edwards which allowed Anthony Wordsworth to score a 74th-minute winner.

But his frustration was more directed at his attacking players.

After Kane Hemmings equalised in first-half stoppage-time, cancelling out Ryan Leonard’s screamer, United had a good spell.

And it was their failure to cash in when on top, either side of Wordsworth’s spot kick, which left Appleton unusually outspoken afterwards.

He said: “You’re thinking to yourself with a little bit more composure in the final third it’s going to be a successful evening for us.

“At half-time we were very confident we would go on and win the game.

“I was still confident even when they scored with 15 minutes to go, but we missed chance after chance and if you don’t take those opportunities you’re going to get hurt.”

He added: “You’ve got absolutely no idea how angry I am.”

The penalty decision was the second in four days to go against Edwards, who handled after being pushed in the box against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

“It’s difficult to get your hands out the way if the ball is smashed at you from a yard,” Appleton said.

“That’s two games on the trot now we’ve been done with horrendous penalties, but I suppose it happens and we move on.”

Charlie Raglan cut a frustrated figure in the wake of United’s hard-fought draws against Charlton and MK Dons.

He said: “The manager said if you can’t win, take the point and we’ve done that in the last two games against better teams, no disrespect to them (Southend).

“Credit to them, they’ve had a bad run of form and got the win.

“It’s just disappointing the way they got the second goal and we haven’t taken our numerous chances.

“We’ve had a decent run of four games with some positive results, so we’ve got to take it on the chin.”

United lost Ryan Ledson to a knee injury in the warm-up, but it is not yet known how long the midfielder will be sidelined for.