Lilley strike enough for U's
  Oxford eased their relegation fears as a Derek Lilley strike was enough to see off Bournemouth
  1-0 at the Manor Ground.
  The U's went into the match knowing nothing less than a win would suffice, and a with a
  commanding performance, this target was never in doubt.
  New signing Eddie Newton made his Oxford debut after signing on-loan from Birmingham on
  transfer-deadline day, and despite being booked in the 40th minute, looked a useful acquisition.
  The game sparked into life in the 24th minute when Oxford defender Phil Whelan was forced off
  with a facial injury. Veteran defender Steve Davis replaced him, and put in an able display in
  Whelan's absence.
  And with just over 30 minutes gone, Oxford took the lead. Newton won a loose ball well, which
  broke to Lilley. His strike was heading wide, until a wicked deflection by Nick Fenton guided the
  ball past his own 'keeper Mark Ovendale.
  And Oxford could have doubled their lead a quarter of an hour later, when Jamie Cook's shot hit a
  post.
  Bournemouth turned in a rather lacklustre performance, but were unlucky not to equalise when
  they were awarded a free-kick just outside the U's penalty area. Christer Warren took the kick
  quickly and netted, but the referee brought play back, as he had not blown his whistle. The
  re-taken free-kick by Steve Robinson was put over the bar.
  And in the 66th minute, the Cherries had another chance to equalise, with Joe Sheerin latching
  onto a fine cross at the far post. Sheerin managed to get the shot in, but unfortunately Richard
  Knight pulled off a fine save.
  However it was Oxford who finished off the stronger side, and in the 75th minute the goalscorer
  Lilley had a chance to kill off the game as he was played clean through. Only alert goalkeeping
  from Ovendale saved the day, as he beat the advancing striker onto the ball.
  And with just five minutes left, sub Simon Weatherstone attempted an audacious 45-yard lob,
  which cleared Ovendale, but was cleared off the line by Wade Elliott.
  The final whistle was met with delight by Oxford fans, as they now pull themselves out of the
  relegation zone, and into 19th position, and on the basis of this performance today, they deserve
  it.

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