Rovers return with points
Steve Foster's goal after 17 minutes condemned Oxford to another defeat and gave Rovers a deserved victory at one of their favourite haunts.
Rovers were totally dominant in the first half at the ground where they won 5-0 back in January.
Scott Jones, who had twice struck the post direct from a corner, set up the opener with another dead ball play. And it must have come as cruel irony for Oxford fans that a centre back called Steve Foster headed home in the 17th minute past Richard Knight.
Without Knight, Oxford could have been in far worse trouble as their new boss David Kemp was left in no doubt about the magnitude of the task he faces at the Manor Ground.
He saved from Nathan Ellington, the influential Vitalis Astafjevs and Marcus Bignot. The impressive Bignot also went close with a shot which whistled across the face of goal.
Oxford had two chances at either end of the half but their woeful defending was matched by ineptitude in front of goal.
Simon Weatherstone's run was halted by an advancing Nicky Culkin on five minutes and then six minutes before the break former Leeds striker Derek Lilley headed high and wide.
The match continued to be one way traffic after the break and again it was only the athleticism of Knight who kept Rovers at bay.
Mark Walters, on for the final 20 minutes, tested the U's keeper and then Danny Allsopp, who's badly in need of a goal to appease Rovers fans, was denied on two occasions as he was given a run out in the final 15 minutes.
The home side only had one chance of note late in the game when Andy Linighan flashed a header over the bar.
Bottom of the table Oxford now lie seven points adrift at the foot of the division, while Rovers' fifth win on their travels moves them up to 13th.

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