Goals from Matt Murphy and Joey Beauchamp helped Oxford to 2-0 cushion against Southend in the Worthington Cup first-round first-leg tie.
The first 45 minutes saw few goalmouth chances to excite what was a small crowd at Roots Hall.
Of the two sides it was perhaps the U's who went closest to breaking the deadlock.
Midway through the first half Matt Murphy's header from a corner produced a save from the Shrimpers' keeper.
Whilst as the first period drew to a close Derek Lilley fired a shot just the wrong side of the upright.
As for the home side, they created few clear-cut chances in that first half.
Moving into the second half, and seven minutes after the re-start Oxford took the lead. Matt Murphy was the man on target, his header from a Joey Beauchamp free-kick finding the back of the net.
The U's went close to making it 2-0 as only an athletic save from Cappleton denied Steve Anthrobus.
Meanwhile, at the other end, as in the first half the home side rarely threatened, although Arendse was called into action to collect from a Kevin Maher strike.
With nine minutes to go Oxford ensured they would take a useful lead back to the Manor Ground for the second leg when they doubled their goal tally.
Joey Beauchamp was the scorer, his sweetly struck left foot shot from long range beating Cappleton in the Southend goal.
It finished 2-0 to Oxford, giving the U's a comfortable cushion for the second leg tie at the Manor Ground.

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