Two goals from Rob Duffy, the second a contentious penalty, were enough to maintain Oxford United’s 100 percent record for the season, after Daryl Clare had given Burton Albion a first-half lead at the Pirelli Stadium this evening. United were wearing their new all-white away strip for the first time, but it was the yellow-clad home side who made the early running, and after Steve Basham had come close for the Us, Darren Stride’s shot hit the bar. Albion took the lead after 15 minutes when a cross from Andy Ducros was headed home by Clare. On the stroke of half-time Andy Burgess hit the bar from a free kick.

Phil Gilchrist had to clear off the line at the start of the second half, and then Yemi Odubade headed against the post before Burton hit the bar for a second time through Lee Fowler. They hit the woodwork again when Keith Gilroy smashed the ball against the bar, but United struck next when Duffy headed home Yemi’s inch-perfect cross, with quarter of an hour remaining. Yemi was then denied a clear-cut penalty after being hacked down by Kevin Poole, but amends were made six minutes from time when Darren Tinson was harshly adjudged to have fouled Yemi, and Duffy scored his third goal of the season, and his second penalty.

Jim Smith was forced into one change, as a result of Barry Quinn’s suspension. He decided to put John Dempster back into defence, drop Andy Burgess into a deeper role, and give Basham his first start of the season up front. Smith also made one other change, giving Chris Hargreaves his first start of the season in place of Steady Eddie Hutchinson. The second half was 13 minutes old when Smith made his first substitution, bringing on Yemi for Basham. Two minutes before United equalised, Hutchinson was brought on in place of Dempster, as United switched to 4-4-2. Another inspired move from the Bald Eagle.

This evening’s referee was S Proctor-Green, who very kindly refrained from showing yellow cards to any United players. Not surprisingly, this was Mr Proctor-Green’s first attempt at officiating an Oxford game. Tonight’s attendance was 2,501. We hope to be able to bring you a match report sometime over the weekend. If anyone wishes to submit one, we would be much obliged.

The win takes United to the top of the Conference for the first time, at least until 4.45 tomorrow afternoon. As a result of tonight’s defeat, Burton’s goal difference drops them down to 8th. The only team who can wrest first place from United is Weymouth, who are at home to Cambridge United tomorrow.