Match ends, Bristol Rovers 1, Oxford United 1.
Bristol RoversBristol Rovers1Oxford UtdOxford United1
John-Joe O'Toole's late header earned struggling Bristol Rovers a point against high-flying Oxford United.
The former Watford midfielder nodded home Lee Brown's free-kick to deny Oxford second position in League Two.
James Constable had put the visitors ahead early on with a deft volley after Dave Kitson's cross was chested to him.
But O'Toole's equaliser means Rovers are two points above the relegation places, while managerless Oxford are third, a point clear of Rochdale.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Bristol Rovers boss John Ward told BBC Radio Bristol:
"I can't remember who said it now, but it's all about keeping your head when others around you are losing theirs and I thought my team did that.
"We made some errors and mistakes, conditions were tough and we were a goal down to a very good team.
"We made some alterations around the team to try and get back in the game and credit to my players for getting back into the game.
"There are days when other things are going against us and you start to feel sorry for yourselves but I don't think my team did that."
Line-ups
Bristol Rovers
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Mildenhall
- 2Smith
- 14Brown
- 24O Clarke
- 6ParkesBooked at 74mins
- 29McChrystal
- 30Lockyer
- 32O'Toole
- 16Gow
- 19BeardsleyBooked at 24mins
- 39MohamedSubstituted forGillespieat 67'minutes
Substitutes
- 7Clarkson
- 8Gillespie
- 15Norburn
- 17Harrison
- 20Gough
- 25Clucas
- 34Keary
Oxford Utd
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Clarke
- 34Bevans
- 3NeweyBooked at 83mins
- 22Wroe
- 13Hunt
- 19Mullins
- 17Rose
- 37Ruffels
- 9ConstableSubstituted forConnollyat 77'minutes
- 8Kitson
- 10Smalley
Substitutes
- 11Potter
- 18Davies
- 20Marsh
- 23Henly
- 24Connolly
- 30Long
- 35O'Dowda
- Referee:
- Lee Collins
- Attendance:
- 6,493
Match Stats
Home TeamBristol RoversAway TeamOxford Utd
- Possession
- Home53%
- Away47%
- Shots
- Home11
- Away4
- Shots on Target
- Home3
- Away1
- Corners
- Home5
- Away0
- Fouls
- Home10
- Away11
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Bristol Rovers 1, Oxford United 1.
Post update
Corner, Bristol Rovers. Conceded by Tom Newey.
Post update
Attempt missed. Chris Beardsley (Bristol Rovers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left.
Post update
Attempt missed. Lee Brown (Bristol Rovers) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right.
Goal!
Goal! Bristol Rovers 1, Oxford United 1. John-Joe O'Toole (Bristol Rovers) header from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Lee Brown with a cross.
Booking
Tom Newey (Oxford United) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Chris Beardsley (Bristol Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Tom Newey (Oxford United).
Post update
Chris Beardsley (Bristol Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Josh Ruffels (Oxford United).
Substitution
Substitution, Oxford United. David Connolly replaces James Constable.
Post update
Chris Beardsley (Bristol Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by John Mullins (Oxford United).
Booking
Tom Parkes (Bristol Rovers) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Foul by Stephen Gillespie (Bristol Rovers).
Post update
John Mullins (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Corner, Bristol Rovers. Conceded by David Hunt.
Post update
Foul by Stephen Gillespie (Bristol Rovers).
Post update
John Mullins (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
