OXFORD United could not claim the win to reflect their dominance as they were held by Gillingham at the Kassam Stadium.

The U’s had more than 70 per cent possession and 25 shots to the visitors’ seven, but left with only a point to show for it.

There was the small consolation of Matty Taylor ending his and United’s mini drought, the striker breaking the deadlock after five minutes to take his tally to two for the season.

But former U’s winger Alex MacDonald’s long-range strike on the half-hour mark – the first goal conceded by the hosts in open play at Grenoble Road this season - ensured the points were shared.

United remain unbeaten at home and climb to 13th in Sky Bet League One, but their winless September continues.

Karl Robinson’s line-up included two changes and a shuffling of personnel, with Elliott Moore and Cameron Brannagan returning in place of Luke McNally and Mark Sykes respectively.

It saw Herbie Kane move to the right of the midfield three on his home debut and James Henry begin on the wing.

There was no room on the bench for Nathan Holland or Sam Winnall, while MacDonald started against his old club.

The former U’s fan favourite would have his moment, but only after Taylor had given the hosts the lead.

The ball dropped to Kane inside his own half and he immediately looked for the striker, sending a perfectly-weighted pass behind the Gills defence.

Taylor had time to overthink the shot, but stayed calm to beat Cumming for his first goal since August 21.

United were giving the ball to their No 9 much quicker than in recent weeks, with Sam Long and Steve Seddon sending plenty of crosses in early.

The latter picked out Taylor after nine minutes and the striker’s header rattled the frame of the goal, as the U’s took control.

Jack Stevens then adjusted his body to block Danny Lloyd’s fierce shot from 20 yards, but otherwise it was all United.

Henry made a clever run to receive Long’s throw on the edge of the box and had a clear sight of goal, only for Max Ehmer to make a crucial block.

Vadaine Oliver scored in this fixture last season and should have made it 1-1 in the 29th minute, but the striker got his angles wrong and headed wide from close range.

After United’s early dominance it was a reminder that they had to be careful and MacDonald levelled the contest on the half-hour.

The winger was in plenty of space as he took the ball following a short free-kick and, from 30 yards, fired low into Stevens’s far corner.

Taylor headed another Long cross over moments later, but Gillingham had the best chance before the break.

Lloyd again found space, this time just inside the box, and struck a powerful effort that Stevens had to block.

The visitors had gained some momentum in the closing stages of the half, but United were back on top after the restart.

Brannagan had two efforts from 20 yards pushed up and over by Cumming, while Alex Gorrin headed over from close range after Sam Long nodded across goal.

John Akinde came on for Gerald Sithole as Gillingham switched to 4-4-2, before Sykes replaced Henry in the 64th minute.

Billy Bodin then came on for Gorrin as United looked for the goal that would reflect their dominance, with the winger joining Sykes and Whyte in an attacking midfield three behind Taylor.

The latter two almost combined for the second goal moments later, but Cumming stuck out a leg to stab away Whyte’s cross.

United continued to probe and Taylor was inches from making it 2-1 with 11 minutes left.

The No 9 was played in by Whyte and shot straight at Cumming, with the goalkeeper scrambling back just in time to prevent the ball dropping into the net.

Moore saw a header tipped over, Sykes had an effort blocked and Seddon fired wide of the far post in the next few minutes, but an even better chance was still to come.

Cumming spilled another Long cross at Bodin’s feet, only for the winger to lift his shot over the bar from close range.

United had a huge penalty shout when Sykes was upended in the final minute of normal time, but Darren Drysdale waved the protests away and they were forced to settle for a point.

Oxford United (4-3-3): Stevens, Long, Moore, Thorniley, Seddon, Kane (Agyei 90), Gorrin (Bodin 69), Brannagan, Henry (Sykes 64), Taylor, Whyte.

Unused subs: Eastwood, McNally, Forde, Williams.

Booked: None.

Gillingham (4-4-1-1): Cumming, Bennett, Ehmer, Tucker, McKenzie, Sithole (Akinde 58), Lee (Adshead 71), Lloyd, MacDonald, Dempsey, Oliver.

Unused subs: Chapman, Tutonda, Reeves, Akehurst, Kelman.

Booked: Tucker, Cumming.

Referee: Darren Drysdale (Lincolnshire).

Attendance: 6,664 (362 visitors).