Oxford United 2-2 Millwall: U’s late equaliser denies Lions

U’s boss Gary Rowett praised his former club before the game, describing them as “a beacon for smaller clubs in the Championship”, but it did not take long for the visitors to get on the score sheet.

In a moment more reminiscent of non-league football, a long-throw was directed towards the U’s box and it was allowed to bounce before Ballo took full advantage to head past the despairing Jamie Cumming.

Lions captain Cooper then had a fantastic chance to double the lead, but his header went just past the post from a corner kick.

Putting more pace on the ball, Oxford pushed for an equaliser but lacked the composure of their opponents with both Brian De Keersmaecker and Jack Currie firing wide.

But that persistence was eventually rewarded. With half-time beckoning, Stanley Mills cut back inside to feed Brannagan, who hit the ball first time, guiding it beyond Max Crocombe into the top left-hand corner.

Alex Neil’s men started the second half the stronger and they were rewarded with Cooper’s close-range effort before Placheta’s deserved equaliser in stoppage time.

The result moves Oxford move up to eighteenth, with Millwall dropping to fourth.