The U’s lost 1-0 to recently relegated Bristol Rovers at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Gary Rowett’s team had the best of the opportunities throughout, but a late goal on the break from the visitors proved to be decisive. 

This was the first of three pre-season friendlies at home following the summer break, a tour of Indonesia, and a trip to Mansfield. 

Bristol Rovers were captained by a familiar face in Josh McEachran, while Oxford gave a first start in yellow to Luke Harris, who recently signed on loan from Fulham. 

READ MORE: Fulham midfielder Luke Harris joins Oxford United on loan

The U’s had two big chances to take the lead inside 10 minutes with Przemyslaw Placheta breaking through on goal and rounding the keeper 30 years out. However, he cut inside off his right food and the chance was gone. 

Soon after, on the seventh minute, Mark Harris found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his shot just missed the top right corner.

For the visitors, Taylor Moore had their first chance on 15 minutes, sending a volley wide.

Then for the U’s, Mark Harris had the ball in the Bristol Rovers net on 18 minutes, but the referee blowed for contact with the keeper.

Tyler Goodrham had the last chance of the first half, turning and firing a shot from 20 yards just inches past the post.

Half-time saw a few changes with Siriki Dembele and Sam Long coming on for their first minutes of pre-season.

Shortly after, Dembele skipped past a few challenges and had a shot saved from the edge of the box. 

There was a good chance on 66 minutes with Brian De Keersmaecker forcing the keeper into a save. 

Gatlin O’Donkor came off the bench up against the side he spent time on loan at last season. He threatened with a good effort on 74 minutes. 

Then, the only goal of the game was scored with a pass cutting through Oxford’s defence and Micah Anthony beating Matt Ingram with a first-time finish. 

Dembele had a chance to equalise late-on, but his shot was tipped behind. 

Next up for the U’s on Tuesday will be a game against Spanish side CD Leganes, who were recently relegated from La Liga. 

Oxford United: Ingram, Kioso (Spencer 70’), Moore (Golding 85’), Helik (Long 46’), Currie (Leigh 70’), De Keersmaecker, L. Harris (Brannagan 46’), Trialist (Sibley 46’), Goodrham (O’Donkor 70’), Placheta (Dembele 46’), M. Harris (Mills 85’).