HALTING Oxford United’s unwanted habit of conceding first is Ryan Ledson’s priority against Doncaster Rovers tomorrow.

Progress has been hindered in recent weeks by the U’s repeatedly giving themselves an uphill task.

In the last ten games in all competitions, they have only landed the first blow once – going on to win 4-0 at Plymouth Argyle.

And while Pep Clotet’s side did come from behind to beat Gillingham in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday, in Sky Bet League One they have only won once – at Peterborough United – in a dozen games where they have gone 1-0 down.

Ledson is well aware of how important it is for United to get their noses in front.

He said: “I think that is a real issue at the minute, it feels like we don’t start playing until we concede.

“But we’re a completely different team when we score the first goal.

“I feel like when we do that we can go on and score two and three.

“It’s a massive game on Saturday, we really need the three points to get the league back on track."

He added: “It was a good win in the week so hopefully we can build on it.

“It’s been a bit of a sticky patch for us, but we can come (back) from that.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we stuck two or three in on Saturday.

“We’ll have to work really hard because Doncaster are a good side and have had a couple of decent results away from home.”

Ledson was left out of United’s starting line-up for their previous league game, a 1-1 draw at Southend United a fortnight ago.

Xemi came in for his first league start, but a suspension for the Spaniard in the Trophy saw Ledson return at Priestfield.

With both players available tomorrow, Clotet has a decision to make, but the former Everton trainee’s aims are the same whenever he gets on the pitch.

He said: “If I don’t start I’m disappointed, but I’m not going to let the lads down when I come on.

“That’s all I think about every time I come on to the pitch – whether I’m starting or coming off the bench, I’m going to give absolutely everything for them.”