OXFORD United’s nine-match winning run came to an end in the pouring rain with a narrow defeat at Doncaster Rovers.

The clash at the Keepmoat Stadium was a meeting of Sky Bet League One’s form sides, but the U’s were edged out as they lost their first game since the end of November.

United controlled long periods of the first half, but could only go in level at the break after Sam Long equalised Jon Taylor’s effort.

The visitors were caught napping early in the second half, with Fejiri Okenabirhie and Taylor Richards striking early on.

Substitute Mide Shodipo pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left, but United could not force an equaliser and fall to 11th in the table.

Karl Robinson handed debuts to deadline-day signings Elliot Lee and Brandon Barker, with Shodipo and Liam Kelly dropping out of the line-up that started last Saturday’s win over Fleetwood Town.

The new recruits flanked Matty Taylor, meaning James Henry was deployed in midfield alongside Cameron Brannagan.

Lee and Barker settled quickly as both illustrated what they will bring to this United side - the Luton Town loanee displaying clever movement and his teammate showing lightning pace down the left.

The U’s could not turn possession into goals in the opening quarter, though, with their best chance coming when Elliott Moore headed straight at Ellery Balcombe after ten minutes.

United were certainly worrying Doncaster and captain Tom Anderson went in the book for a foul on Rob Atkinson, but in a flash the hosts were ahead.

Midfielder Matt Smith won the ball in his own half and immediately played a ball in behind Josh Ruffels for Jon Taylor to chase.

The Rovers winger took time to cut inside, before planting a low shot inside Jack Stevens’ near post.

Andy Butler’s wild challenge on Brannagan ensured both home defenders were in the book before the break and the resulting free-kick led to the equaliser.

Henry’s corner and then Atkinson’s cross were both cleared, but Brannagan turned the ball towards Lee inside the box.

The loanee fired a shot that Balcombe could only parry back into the danger area and Long was in the right place to dispatch the rebound from eight yards.

The rain continued as the teams returned for the second half, with Shodipo replacing Barker for United.

But within six minutes of the restart the U’s had a mountain to climb.

First, Richards found space in between the lines and advanced to play in Okenabirhie, who took a touch before placing an effort into the far corner.

Provider turned scorer four minutes later as the midfielder increased the advantage, nutmegging Alex Gorrin on the edge of the box before firing past Stevens.

Richards was soon forced off through injury and replaced by debutant Scott Robertson, but Doncaster remained on top as United struggled to exert the same control as before the break.

They needed a goal sooner rather than later – and Shodipo hauled the U’s back into the game.

United worked the ball patiently around the Rovers box and the QPR loanee received the ball on the left edge of the area.

He cut inside and unleashed an effort that Balcombe looked like he had covered, but the sodden ball skidded past the keeper.

Lee was thwarted by a brilliant block moments later, before Shodipo thought he had won a penalty when he was blocked off 13 minutes from time.

United then made a triple substitution to try to force the equaliser, with Mark Sykes, Sam Winnall and Kelly replacing Lee, Gorrin and Taylor.

The U’s enjoyed plenty of possession and Moore went up front for the final few minutes, but the ball would not drop for them and they left with nothing.

Doncaster Rovers (4-2-3-1): Balcombe, Halliday, Anderson, Butler, John, Smith, Gomes (Wright 78), Taylor (Lokilo 78), Richards (Robertson 57), James, Okenabirhie (Bostock 88).

Unused subs: Jones, Simoes, Greaves.

Booked: Anderson, Butler.

Oxford United (4-3-3): Stevens, Long, Moore, Atkinson, Ruffels, Henry, Gorrin (Kelly 78), Brannagan, Lee (Sykes 78), Taylor (Winnall 78), Barker (Shodipo 46).

Unused subs: Eastwood, Forde, Grayson.

Booked: Gorrin, Moore.

Referee: James Bell (Sheffield and Hallamshire).