The Boro captain headed in Ben Broggio’s cross from close range for his first goal of the season.

Goalkeeper Tommy Setford brilliantly tipped over Gatlin O’Donkor’s header from a free-kick midway through the second half to deny the hosts an equaliser.

Oxford head coach Aaron Ramsey, who scored the extra-time winner for Arsenal in the 2014 FA Cup final, initially made 10 changes to his starting line-up from Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory over Reading, although that became nine just before kick-off when the unwell Louis Sibley was replaced by Tyler Goodrham.

In contrast, Stevenage manager Alex Revell made just one change from the side that drew 2-2 with Leicester.

Simon Eastwood saved from Saxon Earley, while Tugra Turhan and Broggio shot wide as Stevenage forged good openings in addition to their early goal.

Harrison Bradney produced United’s first shot on target in first-half stoppage time, which Setford saved high to his right.

After the break Eastwood beat out fierce drives from Louis Thompson and Wanya Marcal to stop Stevenage from adding a second goal.