The visitors dominated the early stages and Mark Greaves hit the bar before Daryl Clare drilled home the opener.

Keith Gilroy expertly volleyed home Burton's second and then James Clarke was sent off for two bookable offences.

With only 10 men, Oxford had no answer to Burton's slick passing game and Gilroy latched on to Shaun Harrad's pass to score his second.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Clarke, Howard, Quinn, Foster, Odubade (Blackwood 66), Murray, Hand, Trainer (Rose 54), McAllister , Green (Richards 54).
Subs Not Used: Day, Pettefer.

Sent Off: Clarke (71).

Booked: Clarke.

Burton Albion: Deeney, Brayford, Hurst, Greaves, James, Corbett, McGrath, Simpson, Gilroy (Goodfellow 85), Edwards (Holmes 77), Clare (Harrad 74).
Subs Not Used: Stride, Austin.

Booked: Hurst.

Goals: Clare 20, Gilroy 27, 84.

Att: 4,392

Ref: J Waugh (Sheffield).