Southend 2 (Phillips 47, Hall 67) Oxford Utd (Batt 62) 1
Oxford United slipped to defeat at leaders Southend on Saturday, despite a battling display at Roots Hall.
The visitors dominated the first half, only to concede a goal in injury time of the first half. Andrew Whing was harshly adjudged to have fouled Neil Harris and Mark Phillips headed his cross into the net past Ryan Clarke in the Oxford goal.
After the break, United, who dominated the first half, kept going forward.
And they were rewarded when Damian Batt headed in a cross from the excellent Leven.
However, they were rocked five minute later when Ryan Hall smashed in a shot from 25 yards after a good ball from Michael Timlin.
Oxford tried to get back in the game, but Leven was denied by a super stop from Luke Daniels in the Southend.
At the other end, Clarke made a brilliant save to keep out Ryan Leonard's piledriver. But despite Oxford's efforts they had to go home empty-handed as the Shrimpers extended their lead at the top to two points.
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