James Constable returned from suspension with a goal but Oxford United were held to a draw by promotion-chasing Burton Albion.

Conditions were difficult on a blustery night in Oxfordshire and Burton looked to put débutante goalkeeper Max Crocombe under pressure whenever possible.

The young New Zealander survived a first half that saw Michael Duberry taken off due to injury unscathed and the hosts could have taken the lead when Damian Batt’s far-post effort was tipped over the bar.

Peter Leven was also forced from the field at half-time, but it was largely thanks to his replacement that United took the lead. Tony Capaldi’s corner swung dangerously into the penalty area and James Constable was on hand to divert the ball home. That was Constable’s 90th Oxford United goal and the one that took him joint third in the all-time goalscoring charts with John Aldridge and Peter Foley. Not bad company…

Burton drew level on 70 minutes when Jacques Maghoma wriggled free to fire beyond Crocombe in the United goal.

Billy Kee and Tom Craddock were unable to find the target as both sides hunted for a late winner and the contest finished with a point apiece.