Blackburn Rovers failed to build on their midweek win as they fell to a deserved 1-0 defeat at Oxford United.

John Eustace's side were second-best for large portions of the contest as the Yellows came away with a narrow victory. Cameron Brannagan's powerful free-kick was the difference and Rovers had little response in the final 20 minutes.

Oxford dominated the first 25 minutes before Rovers had much of a kick. They improved though and John Buckley went close from range whilst Andi Weimann tested Jamie Cummings before half-time.

But the hosts reasserted control after the break and had two gold chances. Przemysław Placheta and then Mark Harris were denied by Aynsley Pears.

But the goalkeeper could do little about Brannagan's fierce drive which took a small nick on the way through to lift it into the top corner. That gave Blackburn 20 minutes plus six added on to find a leveller.

But Rovers didn't carry enough threat. They threw crosses into the box but they were manfully managed by Oxford whilst the goalkeeper was simply not tested enough.

Eustace rewarded his midweek game-changers with starts as Makhtar Gueye and Amario Cozier-Duberry came is as part of a double switch. Kyle McFadzean was still absent with his move to Chesterfield on hold.

Rovers were on the back foot early on as the hosts came flying out of the traps. They were first to every second ball and pinned Rovers back into their own half.

Aynsley Pears denied Harris after Siriki Dembele's cross was only half-cleared. The goalkeeper's blushes were spared shortly after as he spilt the summer target's shot but the offside flag went up as it was bundled in.

But as Oxford tired, their press relented and Rovers began to create more space. John Buckley went close to the opener with a piledrive from long range just before Andi Weimann was denied by Jamie Cumming.

Rovers were dealt a major blow on the half-hour as Sondre Tronstad was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury. With Lewis Travis still on the sidelines with the same issue, that is a big concern for Eustace.

Pears was called upon after the break with two important saves to keep the score level. He first denied Placheta as Rovers didn't clear their lines before a loose pass gave Harris a clear sight at goal but he hit it at the goalkeeper.

Oxford had been the brighter team at the start of the half again and, on 69 minutes, they made it count. Dembele was brought down just outside the box and Brannagan stepped up to put the ball into the top corner.

Rovers had 26 minutes, including stoppages, to find an equaliser but didn't work Cummings enough. Callum Brittain fired over from 15 yards late in stoppage time with their best effort.

It was another reminder of why Rovers are desperate for attacking reinforcements in the final two weeks of the window. On this display, the sooner, the better.