Oxford United vs Fleetwood Town. Sky Bet League One.
The Kassam StadiumAttendance6,689.
Saturday 11 August 2018 21:32, UK
Joey Barton celebrated his first victory as a manager after Fleetwood saw off Oxford in a 2-0 win at the Kassam Stadium.
Ched Evans fired them ahead in the 34th minute with a simple eight-yard finish to Kyle Dempsey's cross from the right.
Paddy Madden wrapped up the points after converting an 89th-minute penalty after stand-in keeper Scott Shearer brought down Wes Burns.
The Cod Army continue to haunt Oxford after taking their record against the U's to eight wins and one draw from nine meetings.
The hosts' plans were disrupted on the eve of kick-off after goalkeeper Simon Eastwood broke a finger during the warm-up.
Deadline day signing Ricky Holmes was at the heart of the home side's attacks and he came close to opening the scoring when he fired over after one jinking run, before Evans recorded his first goal for Fleetwood.
Barton's side continued to look dangerous on the break and might have doubled their lead had Dempsey not slipped just before half-time.
The U's went close to levelling when Jamie Mackie headed a Holmes cross just wide before Madden sealed maximum points late on for the visitors.
