Adam Murray, Justin Richards and a Santos Gaia own goal gave Oxford a resounding away victory.

Richards was brought down by Adam Legzdins and Murray slotted home from the penalty spot.

Goalkeeper Billy Turley then preserved Oxford's lead by keeping out Danny Forrest's 52nd-minute shot.

And after Matthew Green set up Richards for Oxford's all-important second goal, Halifax's fate was sealed when Gaia turned the ball into his own net.

Halifax: Legzdins, Clarke, Wright (Taylor 59), Gaia, Davies, Griffith, Heslop, Doughty, Killeen, Shaw (Campbell 49), Forrest.
Subs Not Used: Mawson, Quinn, Kearney.

Booked: Davies.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Day, Quinn, Foster, Howard, Anaclet, Hand, Murray, Trainer, Richards (Fisher 88), Green (McAllister 85).
Subs Not Used: Rose, Clarke, Blackwood.

Booked: Murray, McAllister.

Goals: Murray 37 pen, Richards 57, Gaia 84 og.

Att: 1,369

Ref: M Matadar (Lancashire).