Oxford United

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James Constable

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Oxford Utd 2-0 AFC Wimbledon

Oxford United extended their lead at the top of the table to six points after seeing off ten-man AFC Wimbledon at Kassam Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Yellows got off to a flying start with James Constable and Rhys Day both coming close to scoring from corners in the opening four minutes.

The home side got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 14th minute when Matt Green rose well to flick the ball on and Sam Deering touched it on to the unmarked Constable who fired into the corner of the net from 18 yards out.

AFC Wimbledon were struggling to make an impact on the game as Oxford continued to pile on the pressure.

The partnership of Danny Kedwell and Anthony Elder which has been highly effective in recent matches failed to cause Oxford's defence too many problems and the U's went into the half-time break with the one-goal lead.

Sam Deering forced a brilliant save from Dons goalkeeper James Pullen with a curled free kick in the 50th minute and the hosts had a glorious opportunity to double their tally five minutes later.

Constable latched onto a fine pass from Daniel Bulman in the area and chipped the ball through to Clist, who say his volleyed effort parried by Pullen. On-loan forward Matt Green was first to the rebound but he sliced the ball wide of the target.

The Dons were reduced to ten men in the 58th minute when Deering burst free of the defence and was tripped by Jay Conroy on the edge of the area.

Oxford were enjoying a productive evening in terms of chances created but a number of good saves from Pullen kept them at bay.

However, Oxford finally got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 80th minute thanks to leading scorer Constable.

Deering's through ball set Constable free on the right-hand channel and the striker saw his squared pass blocked by a defender but he pounced on the rebound quickly to finish from a tight angle.

New signing John Grant has a chance to further extend Oxford's advantage in injury time but headed over the bar from a Clist cross.

Oxford bookings: None.

AFC Wimbledon bookings: Poole.

Sent off: Conroy (58).

Ref: Rob Lewis (Shropshire).

Att: 6,250.