Cameron Brannagan’s spot-kick rescued a 1-1 draw for Oxford United as they continue to battle relegation, remaining second-bottom of the Championship and one point adrift of safety after a tight game with Hull City.
Hull took a shock early lead inside four minutes when Mo Belloumi returned from a hamstring layoff to latch onto Semi Ajayi’s long pass down the right. Belloumi outpaced Ruben Roosken, cut inside and fired low beyond Jamie Cumming. Oxford responded ten minutes later when Charlie Hughes brought down Will Lankshear as the striker broke into the area; Oli Langford pointed to the spot and Brannagan calmly slotted his right-footed penalty into the left of Dillon Phillips.
Hull made five changes to their side, including goalkeeper Dillon Phillips replacing Ivor Pandur after head coach Sergej Jakirovic wanted to manage Pandur’s travel load. Belloumi made his first start of the year, while Hughes returned from suspension for Oxford. Jamie Donley also returned to the Oxford lineup and Mark Harris was named among the substitutes.
Oxford began strongly and had an early effort from Lankshear saved, but it was Hull who scored first with Belloumi’s composed solo finish. After the equaliser the contest remained open. Lankshear headed over from Stan Mills’ cross, and Cumming produced a smart stop to deny Kyle Joseph after an intercepted Ciaron Brown pass created a chance.
Early in the second half Brannagan tested Phillips from around 25 yards, forcing a fine tip over the bar. Oxford then pressed for the remainder of the match, with substitute Mark Harris almost snatching a late winner in stoppage time when he prodded a Mills cross the wrong side of the post.
Both sides earned a valuable point from a competitive encounter. Oxford will feel they created enough to win, while Jakirovic pointed to swirling wind and a lack of cutting ideas late on as factors that made the game difficult for Hull.
Oxford manager Matt Bloomfield praised his players’ effort and creativity and urged them to reproduce that form over the final six games. Jakirovic said Hull had controlled much of the match, applauded Belloumi’s goal, admitted a midfield error led to the penalty and stressed the squad must make better decisions in the final third but could be content with a draw.