Mansfield Tn 1, Oxford Utd 2

SUBSTITUTE Matt Murphy scored his third goal in as many games as Oxford United extended their unbeaten run to four games with victory at Mansfield last night.

Murphy emerged on the scene after 63 minutes and grabbed the winner in the closing seconds.

The victory at Field Mill followed two draws and a win on their pre-season tour of the West Country.

In a lacklustre first half, United could have fallen behind as early as the first minute when keeper Phil Whitehead did well to parry Darrel Clarke's snap shot.

Mansfield continued to call the tune early on and their dominance was rewarded with a goal on the half hour when centre half Mark Peters climbed above a motionless Oxford defence to head the opener.

A much more positive United emerged at the start to the second period and new signing Andy Thomson soon put them on level terms.

He latched on to a difficult cross from Dean Windass to nod in his first goal for the club on 54 minutes.

Record signing Windass was a key figure as United began to press forward with more authority.

Their pressure finally paid off in the last minute when Murphy punished a defensive error to roll in the winner.

Playing without four first-team regulars, including defender Phil Gilchrist and giant striker Kevin Francis, United will be happy with the win which sets them up for Friday's match against Greek Cup winners Panionios at the Manor.

Oxford United: Whitehead, Robinson, Powell, Gray, Wilsterman, Whelan, Smith (Weatherstone 77), Windass, Thomson (Murphy 63), Banger (Cook 76), Beauchamp. Subs not used: Hill, Jackson, Rose, Wright.

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