Cameron Brannagan’s penalty earned Oxford United a point in their relegation fight, but they remain second-bottom of the Championship and one point from safety after a 1-1 draw with Hull City.
Mo Belloumi gave the visitors an early lead inside four minutes on his return, running on to Semi Ajayi’s long ball down the right, outpacing Ruben Roosken, cutting in and firing low past Jamie Cumming. Oxford levelled 10 minutes later when Charlie Hughes fouled Will Lankshear as the striker broke into the box and Oli Langford pointed to the spot; Brannagan converted confidently, sending his right-footed penalty to the left of Dillon Phillips.
Hull made five changes, including goalkeeper Dillon Phillips replacing Ivor Pandur, with head coach Sergej Jakirovic cautious over Pandur’s travel load. Belloumi returned from a hamstring issue for his first start of the year, while Hughes was back from suspension. Oxford had Jamie Donley back in the side after his international goal, and Mark Harris — who scored in Wales’ recent shoot-out defeat — was on the bench.
Oxford began on the front foot and Lankshear saw an early effort saved, but it was Hull who struck first with Belloumi’s superb solo opener. After the penalty, the game remained open. Lankshear headed Mills’ cross over, and Cumming produced a smart stop from Kyle Joseph after Ciaron Brown’s wayward pass was intercepted.
Early in the second half, Brannagan tried his luck from about 25 yards and Phillips tipped his shot over. Oxford pressed for the remainder of the match and substitute Mark Harris almost snatched a late winner in stoppage time, prodding the wrong side of a post from Stan Mills’ cross.
Both sides added a valuable point in a tightly contested match. Oxford created enough chances to believe they could have taken all three, while Hull felt conditions — including a swirling wind Jakirovic referenced — made play difficult and that they lacked cutting ideas late on.
Matt Bloomfield praised his players’ effort and creativity, saying they had plenty to be pleased with and must now replicate the performance over the final six games. Jakirovic noted Hull controlled much of the game, praised Belloumi’s goal, admitted a midfield mistake led to the penalty, and said the squad must make better decisions in the final third but can be satisfied with a point.