Manager Mark Yates has revealed his disappointment at the influence referee Oli Langford had in today's 2-0 defeat to Oxford.

Harriers' succumbed to their fifth home reverse of the campaign today, courtesy of a goal in each half from United debutants Matt Green and Ashley Barnes.

Although Yates far from exonerated his players from their share of blame for the defeat, he did admit he felt many of the referee's decisions throughout the day were baffling.

Very rarely one to criticise officials, Yates stated that some strange decisions went both the way of his side and Darren Patterson's outfit.

"It's something I don't like talking about but I felt the referee had a massive influence on the game. That disappoints me," he said.

"James Constable's sending off? I'd like to see that one again! And as for their red card, it wasn't even a foul, let alone a sending off and I think he's just evened the game up.

"It just summed his performance up... He missed a blatant penalty when Michael Blackwood got past the right-back.

"Don't get me wrong, this isn't an excuse but I'm just disappointed he's had such an influence on the game.

"It doesn't hide the fact that we got beat and we know we have to be better. We're disappointed with both goals."

The Harriers' boss revealed that he will review the match video before looking into whether any action can be taken in the case of Constable's dismissal.

The match official is believed to have said the striker was dismissed for the use of an elbow, but Yates continued: "We'll have a look at it. If James has elbowed him then he's let us down, big time.

"But he assures me he's done nothing and that their lad has banged into the back of him and, apparently, he's laughed at James and the decision while was on the floor.

"If that's the case, that's not good - we'll wait and see what we can do when we've seen the video."

Oxford stuck away their only two efforts of the afternoon whilst the home side were yet again left to rue missed chances.

Down to 12th in the division, it's going to be hard work for Harriers to cut into the top-five, and Yates was understanding of supporter's concerns after the match but was adamant that everyone at Aggborough needs to stick together.

"The dressing room is disappointed we didn't create enough and didn't hurt Oxford enough," he added.

"We feel like we've been robbed by two bad goals and the circumstances of the game but we'll regroup on Monday now.

"We aren't a million miles away and today we weren't a million miles away but I understand the fans' frustrations.

"We've gone four unbeaten before today and we aren't panicking - we've got to stick together, there's nobody more frustrated than myself, my staff and the players, so we understand the fans' disappointment."