Oxford United stretched their unbeaten league run to seven games with victory over an under par Gillingham in an open encounter at the Kassam Stadium.

James Henry hit the winner from the penalty spot after 59 minutes – after Marcus Browne was brought down – for his fifth goal of the season.

Browne raced on to Cameron Brannagan’s pass into the box and reached the ball just before Tomas Holy, but he tumbled over the goalkeeper’s body.

Referee Neil Hair pointed for a spot-kick, despite strong protests from the Gillingham players, and Henry converted it confidently into the top-left corner.

Henry also hit the post with a right-footed shot in the 77th minute from Browne’s deep cross.

Ricky Holmes had been Oxford’s main threat in the first half, twice forcing decent saves from Holy with low shots.

But the Gills began the second half strongly and, after Brandon Hanlan went close with an angled drive, U’s keeper Simon Eastwood denied Regan Charles-Cook.

Late on Hanlan went close again with a 25-yard drive that Eastwood saved to his right.

The defeat sees The Gills drop to 19th place in League One, just one place above their opponents and Steve Lovell’s side will now turn their attention to Wednesday night’s FA Cup 1st Round replay at Hartlepool United.

 

Oxford United line up: Eastwood, Dickie, Nelson, Brannagan, Smith (Bradbury 56), Browne, Holmes (Hanson 56), Ruffels, Mousinho, Henry, Long.

Subs not used: Mitchell, Norman, Raglan, Lopes, Spasov.

Goal: Henry (pen 59).

Booked: Brannagan (40), Browne (83), Bradbury (89).

Gillingham line up: Holy, O’Neill, Fuller, Ehmer, Zakuani, Bingham, Byrne, Charles-Cook, List, Hanlan, Eaves.

Subs not used: Hadler, Mbo, Rees, Stevenson, Ogilvie, Lacey, Oldaker.

Booked: Zakuani (73).

Referee: Mr Neil Hair

Attendance: 6,628 (521 Gills)