JAMES Constable's neat finish earned Oxford United a 1-1 draw against Championship side Leicester at the Kassam Stadium today.

United's captain and last season's top scorer turned in a cross from new signing Simon Heslop 14 minutes from time as Chris Wilder's side produced an encouraging second-half display.

Leicester, as you would expect, dominated the majority of the first half, and took the lead through DJ Campbell's free-kick after 21 minutes.

But the U's upped the tempo after the break and Constable's strike gave them a deserved draw.

The only real negative for United was an injury picked up by key defender Jake Wright in first-half stoppage time.

It was the first chance for most United supporters to see Wilder's summer signings - but only two made the starting line-up.

Heslop and Asa Hall featured in a three-man midfield alongside Dannie Bulman.

Leicester, whose boss Paulo Sousa was dressed more like he was going out to dinner than managing his side - he was donned in smart jeans, shirt and a jacket on the touchline - fielded a full-strength side, including Matty Fryatt and DJ Campbell, both regular goalscorers in the Championship.

And they almost took the lead in the fourth minute when pacy winger Lloyd Dyer beat Anthony Tonkin, cut inside and hit a curling left-foot shot that U's keeper Ryan Clarke could get nowhere near, but he was saved by a post.

Steve Howard saw a shot blocked by Jake Wright and another goal-bound effort hit his own man.

United were largely restricted to long-range efforts with Bulman, still without a goal for Oxford, twice missing the target.

Leicester gradually got on top of the game, and took the lead through Campbell's fine strike on 21 minutes.

Mark Creighton was penalised for climbing and Campbell curled a beautiful free-kick over the top of Oxford's five-man wall and into the corner of the net.

Clarke got a hand to it, but was unable to keep it out.

The visitors by now were in complete control, and passing the ball around with ease.

A nice move involving Dyer, Andy King and Fryatt ended with the latter having a clear strike on goal, but his tame effort was easily saved by Clarke.

A good through ball from King set Dyer through on goal and it needed a superbly-timed challenge from Jake Wright to deny him a shot on goal.

Arguably Oxford's best move, involving Alfie Potter, Heslop, Batt and Deering ended with the worst effort of the half, Heslop's powerful shot disappearing well back into the car park.

United were almost gifted an equaliser when Damian Batt crossed and Leicester defender Jack Hobbs sliced horribly his clearance just over the bar.

From the resulting Heslop corner, Creighton headed narrowly wide.

As the first half drew to a close, Heslop saw a free-kick easily saved after Deering was fouled by Nicky Adams.

Wright then appeared to over-stretch and could not continue.

Leigh Franks replaced Wright at the break, and the replacement was forced to clear at full stretch with his first touch.

A long kick by Clarke saw Constable challenge Leicester keeper Chris Weale for the ball, and when it dropped to Potter, the winger's left-foot shot at an open goal - albeit under pressure - went wide.

United looked far more threatening, with Constable really coming into the game for the first time after a largely frustrating opening 45 minutes.

A clash of heads between Potter and Michael Morrison saw the Oxford man replaced by Matt Green.

Damian Batt was finding plenty of room down the right and delivered two excellent crosses in quick succession, but no U's man could get on the end of them.

The U's supporters were finding their voices, and the sound of a vuvuzela from the Oxford Mail stand brought cheers.

Green looked lively and fed fellow sub Mitchell Cole, but his cross looking for Constable was dealt with by Weale.

Tonkin and Creighton did well to block shots from Dyer and Fryatt, before Batt raced free from the half-way line only to drag his shot wide.

United were threatening and levelled through Constable's fine finish.

Bulman fed an excellent pass to Heslop on the right of the Leicester area, and the new signing crossed for Constable to score from close range with a neat finish.

Visible rocked, Leicester pushed on looking for a winner.

Fryatt freed Dyer late on and his shot produced a fine save by Clarke, only for referee John Farries to award a goal kick, much to the amusement of United's keeper.

Fryatt then saw a shot deflected wide for a corner - this time it was given - and then saw a header well-saved by Clarke.

Oxford Utd: Clarke, Batt, Creighton (Worley 86), Wright (Franks HT), Tonkin, Bulman, Heslop (Kinniburgh 86), Hall, Potter (Green 57), Constable (Midson 74), Deering (Cole 62). Subs not used: Eastwood, West.

Leicester: Weale, Adams, Morrison, Hobbs (Parkes 75), Berner (Kennedy 70), Wellens (N'Guessan 64), King (Vermia 74), Campbell (Oakley 64), Howard, Fryatt, Dyer. Subs not used: Tunchev, Logan, Kermorgant.

Referee: J Farries (Oxon).

Attendance: 2,770