Robins run ended by rivals
Oxford overcame the early dismissal of striker James Constable to end Swindon's 10-game winning streak with a 2-0 triumph in a red-hot local derby.
The play-off chasing U's have now completed the double over their fierce rivals in a season which sees the clubs locked in league combat for the first time in 11 years.
Constable, with 11 goals so far this term, turned down a #200,000 move to Swindon in January but was shown a red card for elbowing Luke Rooney in the 11th minute.
But if they were rocked by the early setback, Chris Wilder's team refused to let it show as they recovered immediately to score twice inside a few minutes.
First, Asa Hall prodded in Lee Holmes's free-kick from close range with goalkeeper Wes Foderingham caught in no-man's land.
Then, barely 90 seconds later, Holmes was again the architect with some great play down the left, providing a perfect low cross that Oli Johnson tapped in at the far post.
Oxford keeper Ryan Clarke saved smartly at the feet of Ronan Murray and from Matt Ritchie's 25-yard free-kick as the npower League Two leaders tried to make use of their extra man.
But Swindon only had themselves to blame as they squandered further opportunities.
Rooney scuffed a shot into the side-netting at the far post following Murray's cross, before the latter made a mess of his strike on goal after charging down Clarke's clearance.
As Swindon pressed, Simon Ferry smashed a fierce 20-yard drive against the inside of the post, and in the second half Clarke saved several efforts from Rooney before Paul Benson headed straight at him from a corner.
But Oxford rode out the danger superbly with just 10 men to deny Paolo Di Canio's Robins any consolation.
Oxford Utd 2-0 Swindon: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game as it happened.
Source: DSG
