Collins inspires Oxford victory

Struggling Oxford survived for most of the second half with 10 men to beat Newport 1-0 at the Kassam Stadium, inflicting on County their first defeat in eight games.Striker Tyrone Barnett was dismissed on 55 minutes for a second yellow card, following a late challenge on Darren Jones.But Michael Appleton's team held on, after going ahead through Michael Collins' 41st-minute goal, for only their second league win of the season.Collins found the net with a long-range free-kick that sailed past 'keeper Joe Day, who was expecting someone to get a touch.Oxford had welcomed back goalkeeper Ryan Clarke for his first game of the season following a foot operation, and they were indebted to him for two fine saves in the first half.After pushing Mark Byrne's effort around a post, he kept out Yan Klukowski's low angled shot with an outstretched hand.Barnett then missed a great chance when he was put through on goal, firing past the far post.As Newport pressed hard for an equaliser, Joe Pigott rounded the keeper, but fired over the bar and sub Chris Zebroski curled a shot just over.