Oxford United 1-1 Hull City: U’s hold Tigers but remain in relegation zone

Oxford United continued their fine run against promotion-chasing Hull City, but remain in the Championship relegation zone.

Oxford recovered from conceding after just four minutes to Mohamed Belloumi’s goal to level nine minutes later through captain Cameron Brannagan from the penalty spot.

Matt Bloomfield’s Oxford side have taken 11 points from their latest six games thanks to this result, and they might have snatched a stoppage-time winner when Mark Harris missed a great chance.

However, Leicester and Portsmouth’s draws mean Oxford remain 23rd – a point from safety – and Monday’s clash with Pompey at Fratton Park is a huge relegation six-pointer.

Hull disappointed after making such a positive start, but Sergej Jakirovic’s men remain fifth and are firmly in the promotion hunt.

Hull made a flying start when Belloumi collected Semi Ajayi’s long pass on the right, cut inside Oxford left-back Ruben Roosken and finished left-footed to register his second of the season for the Tigers.

It was a sweet moment for Belloumi as the Algerian’s campaign ended at the Kassam Stadium last season in November 2024 when he suffered a serious knee injury.

Oxford might have crumbled, but they levelled when Charlie Hughes scythed down Will Lankshear for the most blatant of penalties and Brannagan fired home his sixth goal of the season.

Lankshear then headed over before Kyle Joseph’s shot from Belloumi’s pass was saved by Oxford goalkeeper Jamie Cumming.

Oxford grew stronger as Hull wilted and Tigers goalkeeper Dillon Phillips saved a drive from Brannagan.

Ajayi was somewhat fortunate not concede a penalty when he caught Michal Helik in the face as they challenged for a high ball in the box.

Then came Harris’ miss in the first added on minute as he steered Stanley Mills’ teasing cross just wide of the far post.