“We expect to win these games”- Lewis Bate reacts to Oxford’s loss on 2023 opening day

Despite his player of the match performance, Lewis Bate was disappointed in his display in Oxford United’s 1-0 defeat to Exeter City on New Year’s Day.

Sam Nombe’s second half strike was the sole difference in the U’s opening to 2023.

“It hurts. We should be winning these games and we expect to win these games.” Bate began.

“Nothing at home is very disappointing for us. Especially first half, the other day we were 2-0 up against Charlton and put the game to bed, we felt we should’ve been ahead and second half it just wasn’t to be.

“We have enough quality in the squad to be where we want to be and to start winning these games. We all believe we can [make the play-offs], I’m sure we’ll go on a run and we’ll get [to where we want to be].”

On set piece duty against the Grecians, the 20-year-old was brutally honest with his thoughts: “Some of my deliveries have been very poor, but on the flip side when they are in the right spots someone needs to be there to tap them away; and to concede today from our own set piece is very disappointing.

“Over the past few days, myself and Cam [Brannagan] have tried to get better at those set pieces. We know he is a danger man from the edge of the box so I’m trying to put it into positions where he can score.

“Bonding is massive and we compliment each other well so when it’s set pieces I know where he’s going to make a run and I’m sure he’ll get a lot more goals from those.”

Bate, has enjoyed 21 games so far this season in his loan spell from Premier League side, Leeds United and has since becoming one of Karl Robinson’s key players and stalwarts in the U’s midfield.

Speaking on a potential loan recall, Bate commented: “I’m happy. Football is football so you never know what happens and I’m taking each day as it comes and I’m happy here. As far as I know, no [discussions have been made for a recall].