Oxford United won their first away game of the season and third in a row under new manager Gary Rowett, defeating Millwall at The Den.
Ruben Rodrigues’ 57th-minute header clinched the points for the United States, as Rowett returned to the club that he previously managed for four years until 2023.
Millwall’s Alex Neil suffered loss in his first game in command since his appointment on Monday.
Oxford, who were in the drop zone before Christmas, are now five points clear of trouble.
They are two points behind the Lions, who have only won one of their last ten games and were booed at the end.
Oxford had lost their first ten games away from the Kassam Stadium and were thrashed 4-0 by Leeds previous time out.
But they are playing with fresh confidence under Rowett, who took over for Des Buckingham on December 20.
The breakthrough didn’t come until after halftime, which was unsurprising given that no one has scored less goals this season than Millwall, and Oxford hadn’t scored away from home since October.
Przemyslaw Placheta appeared to be the most probable source for the visitors in the first half, with the majority of Oxford’s offensive threat coming through the Polish winger.
His cross from the right was met by Rodrigues, the Portuguese center forward who rose over Japhet Tanganga and headed in.
Millwall had generated nothing up to that moment, and their response to falling behind was dismal, as evidenced by their loud support.
Millwall, who have only scored 22 goals in 24 league games this season, have now failed to reach the back of the net in five of their last seven.
Oxford, on the other hand, will be confident heading into their next away fixture against mid-table Preston on Saturday, a team they may surpass with a win.
