MATTY Taylor’s hot streak was extended as the striker spared Oxford United’s blushes against relegation-bound Southend United.

The hosts’ packed February schedule looked to have caught up with them in a flat display, but Taylor bagged his seventh goal in six games late on.

It strengthened the side’s promotion push in Sky Bet League One, moving them back into the play-off positions.

The Bristol City loanee had earlier won the penalty from which James Henry opened the scoring.

But United were unable to go through the gears in tricky conditions and Southend levelled through Lewis Gard just before half-time.

A tense second half followed as Karl Robinson’s side laboured in their search for a winner.

But as has so often been the case this season, a tight game was settled in their favour thanks to a moment of magic from Taylor.

Anthony Forde and Mark Sykes replaced Sam Long and George Thorne in the starting line-up as United looked to pick up where they had left off against Accrington Stanley in midweek.

Hopes were high of a comfortable afternoon against a side who look certain to be relegated.

Although there was little in the opening exchanges, which were affected by the strong wind, Southend presented their hosts with a gift on 17 minutes.

Patrik Gunnarson fumbled Forde’s cross and in an attempt to make up for his error the goalkeeper only made it worse by pulling back Taylor’s shirt.

It was a poor decision, given the striker had his back to goal and the ball was bouncing awkwardly.

Henry showed no mercy from the spot, sending Gunnarson the wrong way from 12 yards.

At that point it looked like the perfect platform for United to go on and sweep Southend aside, but instead they never got a grip on the game.

Simon Eastwood was worried by a sweetly-struck long-range free-kick from Stephen McLaughlin within four minutes of the goal.

There then followed a 20-minute period where very little happened, but United were lacklustre and not in control of the contest.

Playing into the strong breeze, they were unable to move the ball at the same pace which had caused teams problems in recent weeks.

Instead, Southend slowly grew in confidence and saw plenty of the ball.

Charlie Kelman had the ball in the net on 41 minutes after Alex Gorrin lost the ball in his own half, but Mark Milligan’s pass was a fraction late in coming and the offside flag came to United’s rescue.

It was a warning sign, but the hosts did not heed it.

On the stroke of half-time they were pegged back when Tom Clifford – one of four teenagers in the Southend XI – got in down the left and crossed low.

The dangerous ball was diverted goalwards, possibly by Rob Dickie. Eastwood made a sharp save on his line, but could only parry the ball and Gard pounced to stab in from a yard.

Half-time gave United time to regroup, but Eastwood’s save at full-stretch to keep out Eren Kinali’s 20-yard effort suggested the hosts were still struggling to get out of first gear.

Now with the wind at their backs, they had a chance on the break soon afterwards, but Sykes’s pass for Brannagan was cut out by Gunnarson.

While the elements – and a sticky pitch – played their part, United were playing like strangers and were careless in possession.

Southend were still capable of causing problems and Eastwood had to tip over Kelman’s header in a sequence of four successive corners just after the hour mark.

Substitute Dan Agyei fired into the side netting as United searched for a moment of magic to retake the lead.

But as they pushed forward there was also a danger on the break, Eastwood saving from Kelman 12 minutes from time.

It was beginning to look a forlorn effort from United, but six minutes from time Taylor came up with yet another flash of brilliance.

Browne’s cross was hopeful and found the striker with his back to goal, but after turning he managed to fire a left-footed effort into the far corner.

It was a priceless goal, which ensured United continued their excellent run despite being well below their best.

Oxford Utd (4-3-3): Eastwood, Forde (Long 86), Dickie, Moore, Ruffels, Gorrin (Agyei 57), Sykes (Mackie 90), Brannagan, Henry, Taylor, Browne.

Unused subs: Stevens, Hanson, Kelly, Thorne.

Booked: Gorrin.

Southend Utd (4-5-1): Gunnarson, Bwomono, Dieng, Shaughnessy, Clifford, Egri (Goodship 76), Kinali, Milligan, Gard (Hutchinson 70), McLaughlin (Barratt 64), Kelman.

Unused subs: Seaden, Rush, Acquah, Mitchell-Nelson.

Booked: McLaughlin.

Referee: Lee Swabey (Devon).

Attendance: 7,451 (485 visitors).