Oxford 4-1 Burton: Baldock brace maintains Oxford play-off push

Sam Baldock's brace and well-taken goals from Gavin Whyte and Matty Taylor maintained Oxford's League One play-off push as they eased past mid-table Burton 4-1.

All five goals came in a thrilling first half at the Kassam Stadium. Sam Baldock nodded home Herbie Kane's cross in the 7th minute to give the home side an early lead. Oxford thought they had doubled their lead midway through the half after Burton couldn't clear their lines, but it was ruled out for offside after a lengthy discussion between the officials.

There was no such reprieve for Burton in the 35th minute, however. Gavin Whyte's spectacular strike from outside the box - his first goal of the season - gave visiting goalkeeper Jack Garratt no chance.

Oxford attack in the first half of their comfortable 4-1 win over Burton in League One

Baldock's second of the game five minutes later all but secured the points, as he finished neatly from Mark Sykes' precise cut back.

Taylor added further gloss to the score with a precise close-range volley in first-half stoppage time.

There was still time for Adlene Guedioura to smash home a stunning first-time long-range strike before the interval with Burton's first real chance, but it proved to be only a consolation.

The second half was inevitably less eventful than the first, apart from a flurry of chances in the final quarter of the match. Substitute Sam Winnall, on for the injured Baldock, couldn't convert Taylor's cross when it looked easier to score. Taylor himself then saw an effort from the edge of the box saved by Garratt.

Burton, who made a double substitution at half time, carried marginally more threat in the second period. However, Jonny Smith's header straight at Oxford goalkeeper Jack Stevens fifteen minutes from time was as close as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's team came to threatening a real comeback.

Hasselbaink will certainly be keen to address his side's leaky defence. The Brewers have now conceded nine goals in their last two games following their 5-2 midweek loss against Sheffield Wednesday.

Oxford bounced back well from their 3-2 loss to Portsmouth on Tuesday with a fluent attacking performance. The only concern for boss Karl Robinson was the knock suffered by Baldock early in the second half. He will be keen to have the striker back fit as soon as possible as United look to secure a play-off place for the third consecutive season.