Blackpool 0-1 Oxford United

Oxford inflicted Blackpool's first League One loss since New Year's Day and moved out of the relegation zone with victory at Bloomfield Road.

Jordan Graham's inch-perfect free-kick before half-time proved enough for Karl Robinson's side to secure their first win in six league matches.

The U's nearly broke the deadlock when Rob Dickie nodded Luke Garbutt's floated free-kick into the side netting before the half hour.

Mark Howard diverted Mark Sykes' dipping effort behind around 10 minutes from half-time, with the Blackpool stopper later denying the Oxford man from distance.

But Howard was powerless to stop Graham's sublime curling free-kick which flew over the wall and nestled in the top corner five minutes from the break.

Josh Ruffels headed Nick Anderton's dangerous 53rd-minute cross to safety with Armand Gnanduillet poised to draw Blackpool level.

Curtis Tilt went close before the hour after rising highest to meet Harry Pritchard's free-kick as Blackpool pressed, while substitute Jordan Thompson nearly took advantage of some uncertain Oxford defending with less than 20 minutes left.

Garbutt tested Howard with a low drive and Blackpool's Joe Dodoo stung Eastwood's palms at the other end with a powerful strike as Oxford managed to hang on.

Match report supplied by the Press Association.