Oxford lead 1-0 after the first leg of their League One play-off semi finalRex Features

Elliott Moore of Oxford United celebrates scoring the opening goal with team-mates

Dan George at the Kassam Stadium
BBC Sport

Elliot Moore's headed goal ensured Oxford United will take a narrow lead into the second leg of their League One play-off semi-final after victory over Peterborough at the Kassam Stadium.

After a goalless first half, it was captain Moore who opened the scoring for the U's, heading home following a corner to prompt loud celebrations from the home supporters.

The Posh did react to going behind, forcing the U’s deeper and dominating possession late on in the game, but were unable to to find an equaliser.

The two will meet for the return leg on Wednesday at Peterborough's Weston Homes Stadium.

Both sets of players entered the field to a party atmosphere at the Kassam, balloons thrown into the air with the three stands bathed in glorious early May sunshine.

Oxford, who won 5-0 when the sides met in the league last month, attacked the game with an intensity that matched the atmosphere, raining shots on Jed Steer’s goal but were unable to find the back of the net.

Josh Murphy was a constant threat down the left-hand side for Des Buckingham’s side, causing Jadel Katongo all sorts of issues and often beating his man to force a cross into the box or shot on goal.

Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson noticed the need for change at the break, introducing Kwame Poku, who fired narrowly over the bar just minutes after his substitution.

It was the Yellows who took the lead, though, when Josh Murphy’s deep corner found Cameron Brannagan, who looped a header high to the back post where Moore was waiting to score his second of the season.

The visitors reacted well to going behind, growing in confidence and forcing Oxford deeper and deeper into their own box as the clock ran down.

Ricky-Jade Jones was given a glorious chance to level but completely misjudged Poku's delivery, the ball deflecting off him for a goal kick.

Despite their late pressure, the Posh - who won their first leg of their play-off semi-final with Sheffield Wednesday last season 4-0 only to eventually lose on penalties - were unable to find an equaliser, leaving Oxford with a slender advantage to take to Cambridgeshire.

Post-match reaction

Oxford United boss Des Buckingham told BBC Radio Oxford:

"It’s an advantage but we’re only halfway through. Overall, I’m really happy with what I saw tonight.

"If we can take the same energy levels that we had tonight into Wednesday then it’ll be good.

"There’s always going to be moments in a game against this side that you need to weather a storm and I thought they we did pretty good with what they gave today."

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire:

"It was a tight game, I didn’t think anything would be decided tonight and we take it to Wednesday’s game.

"To be honest, out of possession we looked really good tonight, in possession we weren’t good enough.

"We got though the opening period well, back home on Wednesday - it’ll be a special atmosphere."