OXFORD United’s returning fans were treated to an entertaining draw against Sky Bet League One leaders Hull City.

The U’s were good value for a point in front of 1,000 supporters, who were back at the Kassam Stadium for the first time since February.

James Henry’s pinpoint shot put the U’s ahead 10 minutes in as the home side moved the ball noticeably quicker than for much of this season so far.

They were comfortably the better side before the break, but the Tigers were a different beast after half-time and levelled through Greg Docherty.

United were forced to defend for much of the second half and will be pleased to come away with a point for their efforts.

There were no surprises with Karl Robinson’s starting line-up, as Jordan Obita came in for Mide Shodipo on the left wing and Jack Stevens kept his place in goal.

Mark Sykes was again left out of the squad, but is set to start Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy second round clash with Forest Green Rovers.

That game will hopefully have 1,500 fans in, yet even with just 1,000 in the stands today there was plenty of noise as United took to the field.

This certainly appeared to lift the hosts and they created the first opening after four minutes, but Liam Kelly could not get a shot away from inside the box after he was fed by Sam Long.

Marcus McGuane saw a lot of the ball in the early exchanges and the midfielder was involved as United took the lead.

The 21-year-old exchanged passes with Obita down the left, before the latter briefly lost the ball after cutting inside.

He was perhaps a little lucky to get it back and fed Henry on the edge of the area, but there was nothing fortuitous about the shot that arrowed into Matt Ingram’s bottom corner.

United were controlling possession, although a head injury to Long broke their momentum midway through the half.

The defender received five minutes of treatment before he was able to carry on, bandaged head and all.

United continued to move the ball quicker than on many occasions this season, although the table-toppers grew into the game as the half wore on.

Mallik Wilks had particular joy against Josh Ruffels down the Hull right, with Rob Atkinson forced to double-up on several occasions.

The winger had the visitors’ first shot on target four minutes before the break, but Stevens dived on his low effort and the U’s made it to the midway point unscathed.

Hull boss Grant McCann threw on Keane Lewis-Potter for Hakeeb Adelakum at the break in a straight swap on the left wing.

The youngster did not have long to make an impact and sent a 25-yard free-kick over the wall, which Stevens had to tip over.

Hull threatened again moments later when Alfie Jones headed against the top of the bar from a second corner.

The centre back hurt himself in the process and was replaced by Reece Burke, but the visitors continued to press and got back on level terms midway through the half.

A dangerous free-kick was cleared by United, but Docherty was on hand to slam home a volley from 18 yards.

At this point the U’s were pinned back and Robinson had to thrown on Sean Clare when McGuane went down injured, while Gorrin – on a yellow card – was replaced by John Mousinho.

United managed to ride out the storm without conceding again and began to look brighter with ten minutes to go.

Dan Agyei and Anthony Forde were brought on for Matty Taylor and Kelly as the home fans roused their side for one final effort.

Lewis-Potter came closest to finding a winner as he sent a stoppage-time header over the bar, with both sides having to settle for a point.

Oxford United (4-3-3): Stevens, Long, Moore, Atkinson, Ruffels, Gorrin (Mousinho 75), Kelly (Forde 85), McGuane (Clare 75), Henry, Taylor (Agyei 85), Obita.

Unused subs: Eastwood, Shodipo, Hall.

Booked: Gorrin, Obita, McGuane, Agyei.

Hull City (4-3-3): Ingram, Emmanuel, Jones (Burke 59), Greaves, Elder, Docherty, Smallwood, Honeyman, Wilks, Magennis (Eaves 65), Adelakun (Lewis-Potter 46).

Unused subs: Long, Coyle, Scott, Slater.

Booked: Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire)