PATRICK Hoban expertly struck an equaliser as Oxford United came from behind to draw with Newport County at the Kassam Stadium.

A stunning strike from Lenell John-Lewis had given County a lead against the run of play before the break.

United deservedly levelled through Hoban, a half-time substitute, but despite piling the pressure on the Welsh visitors in the closing stages they could not find a way through.

A point was not what the home side, who lost Danny Hylton and Ryan Taylor to injuries, wanted although they remain two points off the top of Sky Bet League Two after leaders Plymouth Argyle also drew.

An unchanged United side were the first to threaten, when Hylton was brought down on the edge of the box by Scot Bennett, who was booked.

The free-kick was tapped for Alex MacDonald to unleash a powerful low shot which County goalkeeper Joe Day did well to hold.

The visitors, improving under new boss John Sheridan, changed from their usual 3-5-2 to a defensive 4-5-1.

They moved the ball well when given the chance, but looked well organised out of possession to ensure openings were in short supply and it took until midway through the half for United to seriously threaten again.

Once more it was MacDonald with the effort, rolling a shot just wide after good work from Hylton.

It was the No 10's last meaningful contribution, as a stomach cramps forced him off on the half-hour mark.

Substitute Callum O'Dowda wasted little time in getting involved, quickly beating two men and feeding an unmarked Kemar Roofe, who delayed his shot to let County off the hook.

United's top scorer had another effort blocked when he was found by a clever free-kick from John Lundstram, as the hosts appeared to be building up a head of steam.

County had not threatened beyond a couple of corners and pot shots, but out of nothing they broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute.

A long ball fell for John-Lewis, who produced a stunning strike from at least 30 yards to beat Benji Buchel.

United's problems quickly grew with Taylor forcing to be withdrawn with a tight groin, prompting another change which saw Hoban introduced for the second half.

Newport were content to sit on their lead, inviting the home side on.

They immediately exerted more pressure than in the first half, although Newport's defenders repeatedly got important blocks in.

But they could not hold out indefinitely and 18 minutes from time the equaliser arrived.

Roofe found space on the left and although his low cross was behind Hoban, the striker showed fantastic instincts to turn and shoot into the net from eight yards.

United sensed an opportunity and swarmed all over a retreating County.

Roofe was twice denied impressive by Day low to his right after crosses from O'Dowda and Baldock.

United had to be careful they were not caught on the break and Newport provided a couple of late scares, but there was no late breakthrough as the spoils were shared.

Oxford Utd (4-4-2): Buchel, Baldock, Dunkley, Mullins, Skarz, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, Roofe, Hylton, Taylor.

Subs used: O'Dowda (Hylton 30), Hoban (Taylor HT), Unused subs: Slocombe, Long, Ruffels, Rose, George.

Booked: Baldock.

Newport Co (4-5-1): Day, Barnum-Bobb, Partridge, Bennett (Barrow 61), Hughes, Rodman, O'Sullivan (Collins 75), Byrne, Klukowski (Boden 77), Elito, John-Lewis.

Unused subs: Green, Holmes, Taylor, Ansah.

Booked: Bennett, Elito, Barnum-Bobb.

Referee: Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire).

Attendance: 5,479 (229 visitors).