OXFORD United claimed their first Sky Bet League One clean sheet since February as they played out a stalemate with Ipswich Town.

The clash at the Kassam Stadium was between two sides low on confidence and this was evident in a game of few chances.

James Henry went closest for the U’s when he headed against the post in the first half, while Andre Dozzell’s second-half corner hit the crossbar for Ipswich.

That was United’s only major scare as the 90 minutes ended with the same scoreline as the sides’ previous meeting here in January.

The big talking point pre-match was Karl Robinson’s decision to drop Simon Eastwood after the goalkeeper’s mistake against Swindon Town on Saturday, with Jack Stevens replacing him.

Elsewhere, Mark Sykes was left out of the 18 altogether, while Jordan Obita was not deemed fit enough to start twice in four days so Mide Shodipo came in.

The young winger was immediately more involved than against Swindon and drew a series of fouls as United looked to control possession from the start.

Despite plenty of possession the U’s were unable to create many opportunities, with Josh Ruffels aiming a daisy-cutter at David Cornell in their first shot on goal after 18 minutes.

Robinson had made Elliott Moore captain and the defender went close midway through the half, but he headed Kelly’s corner wide from six yards out.

United remained the only side to threaten and Marcus McGuane whipped in a shot towards the far corner on the half-hour mark, but Cornell was able to parry away.

Six minutes before the break, however, they had their best opportunity yet.

Kelly kept the ball alive after a spell of pressure from the home side and crossed onto the head of Henry.

The midfielder directed a header goalwards, but it bounced agonisingly off the post and Ipswich hacked away.

It was the final major action of a half where two out-of-form sides seemed reluctant to take the game to the opposition.

This remained the case in the early stages of the second period, before Ipswich boss Paul Lambert brought on attacking duo Kayden Jackson and Oli Hawkins on the hour.

This signalled a switch to 4-4-2 for the visitors, but United were next to threaten as Shodipo had a shot blocked, before Henry stung the hands of Cornell from the resulting corner.

The introduction of Jackson and Hawkins did give Ipswich an extra dimension, while Robinson brought on Obita for Shodipo with 18 minutes left.

Moments later Kelly’s through ball was just too heavy for Taylor to do anything but prod the ball against the onrushing Cornell.

Ipswich launched a counter-attack and Nolan was put through on the right, but he blazed into the car park.

The away side were beginning to threaten more and a corner from Dozzell was floated straight onto the crossbar, but United scrambled it away.

Sean Clare returned from his one-match ban to replace Henry on the right late on, while John Mousinho and Dan Agyei replaced Kelly and Taylor.

Agyei was immediately involved as he fed Obita in the box, but his shot was deflected behind in the final opportunity of the night.

Oxford United (4-3-3): Stevens, Long, Moore, Atkinson, Ruffels, Gorrin, Kelly (Mousinho 87), McGuane, Henry (Clare 80), Taylor (Agyei 87), Shodipo (Obita 72).

Unused subs: Eastwood, Forde, Hall.

Booked: None.

Ipswich Town (4-3-3): Cornell, Chambers, McGuinness, Woolfenden, Ward, Dozzell, Lankester (Jackson 60), Nolan, Dobra (Judge 78), Drinan (Hawkins 60), Bennetts.

Unused subs: Holy, Donacien, Kenlock, Gibbs.

Booked: Dozzell.

Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire)