Deane Smalley's first league goal since October has given Oxford United a 1-0 half-time lead over Torquay United at the Kassam Stadium.

Smalley slid the ball into the net on six minutes after collecting a clever reverse pass from Ryan Williams.

Aside from the goal, Oxford have yet to register a single shot, although Smalley did threaten to net a second before goalkeeper Michael Poke pinched the ball off his toes midway through the half.

At the other end, Elliot Benyon forced a decent save out of Ryan Clarke with a long-range effort just before the break.

Both sides have struggled to play good football in the blustery conditions. Oxford will have the wind behind them in the second half.