OXFORD United's winless run continued as two second half goals saw Bristol Rovers claim all three points in front of the biggest league attendance of the season at the Kassam Stadium.
The home side shaded a poor first half, but fell behind to Lee Brown's twice-taken penalty ten minutes after the break.
United responded well and dominated the game, but could not turn their pressure into an equaliser, with James Constable missing the best chance from close range.
Rovers wrapped up the victory in the final minute of stoppage time, when Eliot Richards doubled their lead.
It extended United's streak without a win to four games, three of which have been defeats.
Lewis Montrose returned after injury for his home debut in one of three changes to the starting line-up.
Tony Capaldi and Liam Davis also came into the side, as Peter Leven, Alfie Potter and Luke O'Brien making way.
Rovers were backed by a large travelling contingent and they were almost celebrating a goal inside the opening minute.
Jake Wright fluffed a clearance to Danny Woodards, but the midfielder could not make the most of the chance and shot straight at Luke McCormick.
United lined up in a 4-3-3 system, with Sean Rigg and Justin Richards flanking James Constable.
In an effort to get round the poor playing surface, the hosts opted for a more direct approach.
Richards was the main target and he got the better of Michael Smith in the air.
The striker had the first sight of goal for United, taking a Constable lay-off and firing wide from long range.
The impressive John-Joe O'Toole responded in kind at the other end shortly afterwards.
There had been a lively tempo to the game in the opening exchanges, but it quickly petered out as the game descended into a midfield battle.
United had to change their tactics after Richards was forced off following a clash with Joe Anyinsah, replaced by Potter.
It took 38 minutes for the first really good chance.
A loose ball fell to Rigg on the edge of the box and his quick pass found Constable, whose shot was powerful but too close to Rovers goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall.
United finished the half on top and only a fantastic block from Tom Parkes prevented Potter from opening the scoring a minute before the break.
When Rigg fired narrowly wide at the start of the second half, the hosts appeared to be gaining the upper hand.
But ten minutes after the break, Rovers were awarded a penalty as Ryan Brunt beat a sliding Wright to the ball in the box.
Brown scored from 12 yards, but was ordered to retake it due to Rovers players encroaching into the area. The midfielder kept his cool and again sent McCormick the wrong way, to the delight of the away fans.
It was almost the final time Rovers got into United's half, as the home side dominated the remainder of the game.
Constable came close to a quick equaliser, but he could not keep a left-footed volley down after a glorious pass from Adam Chapman.
With 20 minutes remaining the striker had an even better chance.
Josh Parker, on as a substitute, fizzed in a low cross which Constable could only shoot over from six yards.
Damian Batt hit the side netting with another opportunity as the time began to slip away.
Fabian Broghammer had a chance to make sure of the points late on, but McCormick stood up well to make a smart block.
Harry Worley was brought on as a makeshift striker for the final minutes and he came agonisingly close to claiming an equaliser.
The defender rose highest to meet a Liam Davis cross, but it dropped inches wide.
Rovers added salt into the wounds in the final minute of stoppage time, when a quickly taken free-kick saw Richards run clear and slot past an exposed McCormick.
Oxford Utd: McCormick, Batt, Raynes (Worley 87), Wright, Davis, Chapman, Montrose, Capaldi (Parker 56), Constable, Richards (Potter 34), Rigg.
Unused subs: Crocombe, Whing, Smalley, O'Brien.
Bristol Rovers: Mildenhall, Smith, Parkes, McChrystal, Brown, Anyinsah (Clarkson 62), Norburn (Richards 79), Clucas, O'Toole, Woodards (Broghammer 69), Brunt.
Unused subs: Harrison, Gough, McDonald, Hitchcock.
Referee: Andy Madley.
Attendance: 7,608 (1,932 visitors).
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