Oxford had to settle for a point but will consider it two points lost.

United, who welcomed new owner Firoz Kassam before the start, were streets ahead of Bolton but could not find the target from a dozen attempts.

Bolton, challenging for promotion, brought in debutant goalkeeper Steve Banks, a £50,000 buy from Blackpool, and he stood between United and a comfortable win.

Oxford also introduced a new goalkeeper, Paul Lundin, who has been on the bench for the Swedish national side and a long clearance from him after three minutes should have produced a goal.

Kevin Francis flicked on to Andy Thomson who took the ball round Banks but was forced wide and the shot was high and wide.

Three minutes later Banks made a magnificent save from a downward header by Matt Murphy from a corner and he did well to beat Francis to a dangerous cross from Martin Gray.

Francis, a constant threat in the air, missed a sitter on the ground after 31 minutes. Murphy headed a Nicky Banger across to the unmarked striker three yards out but he miskicked with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Lundin was a spectator in the first half and only had two shots to deal with after the interval.

Oxford were again in complete control and Murphy and Francis were inches off target with fierce shots and Banks had to be at his best to push an overhead kick by Francis over the bar.

Teams

Oxford Utd: Lundin, Robinson, Gilchrist, Watson, Powell, Gray, Banger, Tait, Murphy, Francis, Thomson (Williams 80).

Subs Not Used: Weatherstone, Cook.

Bolton: Banks, Cox, Fish, Warhurst, Phillips, Frandsen, Todd, Johansen, Fullarton (Gardner 67), Holdsworth, Gudjohnson (Hansen 77).

Subs Not Used: Bergsson.

Booked: Todd, Fullarton.

Att: 7,547