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Alan Curtis says Swansea's defeat by Oxford United is a 'huge setback'

Alan Curtis caretaker Manager of Swansea City
Image: Alan Curtis was in charge of his first game since being named permanent manager

Alan Curtis said Swansea's FA Cup third-round defeat by League Two Oxford United is a "huge setback" for the club.

Curtis made 10 changes to his side for what was his first match in charge since being named manager until the end of the season, but his decision backfired as Oxford ran out 3-2 winners.

"It's hugely disappointing," said Curtis. "All credit to Oxford, they were more energetic than us and passed the ball better.

Oxford United's English midfielder Kemar Roofe (2R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FA
Image: Oxford United midfielder Kemar Roofe celebrates his second goal

"We made changes but we still had lots of experience, but Oxford thoroughly deserved to beat us.

"The league was always going to be the priority but we wanted a cup run and to get some momentum going. It's a huge setback for the club.

"We're going to have to lift everyone for our next game."

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey went over to the travelling supporters after the match, but Curtis played down any suggestion that the crowd were abusing the 23-year-old. 

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"I saw him go over but I thought everything was okay," said Curtis. "But there is a suggestion that some of the crowd were having a go at him, but I didn't see that."

Michael Appleton looks on during the Sky Bet League Two match between Northampton Town and Oxfo
Image: Michael Appleton was proud of his side's performance

Oxford boss Michael Appleton saluted a "magnificent" performance by the League Two side, who reach the fourth round for the first time since 1998/99.

Appleton said: "I thought the performance was magnificent. To beat a Premier League team on your own patch is one thing, but the way we did it, the way we passed the ball and the chances we created at times was great.

"We had to dig deep when it was 3-2 but we showed a lot of composure in defence.

"We knew if we stuck to what we do best that we'd get opportunities. We pressed as high as we could and I think it unsettled them at times."

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