Oxford United are in the third round draw for the FA Cup after deservedly holding Southend United to a goalless draw.

Although Southend produced some tidy football and had chances, had Oxford been more clinical in front of goal, the result could have been so different.

Loan striker Ashley Barnes shot into the side-netting with the goal at his mercy and then badly screwing a shot wide when well-placed after the break.

However, it needed two fine saves from Oxford keeper Billy Turley, the best a low stop with 11 minutes to go from Charlie MacDonald.

It was almost identical to a save from Southend's Steve Collis in the opening period, although Collis could not hold onto the ball and Barnes shooting into the side-netting from the rebound.

Collis also had to be alert to deny substitute Yemi Odubade after the break.

Southend were not without chances, Adam Barrett heading inches wide from a Steve Hammell corner and Dean Morgan forcing a save from Turley.

But to typify Oxford's battling qualities, in the final minute, Southend's Mark Gower burst into the area, but was denied by four Oxford defenders, all of whom threw their bodies in the way.