High-flying Oxford held by lowly Newport

Promotion-chasing Oxford were held to a 1-1 draw at Newport.Jordan Bowery had given the U's an early lead after being called into the starting XI as a late replacement after Kemar Roofe was injured in the warm-up.Medy Elito then grabbed an immediate equaliser for the home side during a frantic opening 15 minutes at Rodney Parade.The visitors had started well and almost went ahead after nine minutes when Danny Hylton struck a post from a tight angle.Bowery then put the visitors ahead after 13 minutes with a smart finish from Chris Maguire's lay-off.But their lead lasted just a minute thanks to a stunning 25-yard strike from Elito for his first goal for Newport.Oxford came out strongly after half-time and only a superb one-handed save from Joe Day prevented Chey Dunkley putting the visitors ahead eight minutes after the interval.Exiles captain Mark Byrne almost won it for the home side with seven minutes to go but his effort from 30 yards hit the outside of a post.