Oxford United earned a valuable point at the Cardiff City Stadium as they came from behind to draw 1-1 thanks to Cameron Branngan's thunderbolt.
Yousef Salech headed Cardiff into the lead in the 56th minute, but this was cancelled out by Brannagan's thunderous strike with ten remaining, to send the 3,000 United fans home with something memorable to cheer.
Gary Rowett made two changes to the side that played Leeds United on Good Friday. Sam Long wasn't selected as his wife gave birth this morning, so Peter Kioso started at right-back, while Tom Bradshaw was preferred to former Cardiff player Mark Harris up top. Skipper Elliott Moore was on the bench, taking his place in the squad for the first time since getting injured at Hull five weeks ago.
For the first few minutes United had to show their defensive qualities as the home side looked to put Oxford under pressure, and in the 11th minute they were grateful when Chris Willock shot over from a good position.
The remainder of the first period was largely fought (sometimes literally) in midfield, with neither side troubling the opposing goalkeeper despite plenty of endeavour.
The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes into the second half. United half cleared a corner and when the cross came over Salech rose to head the ball beyond Jamie Cumming to give the hosts the lead.
United changed shape and personnel - including Harris replacing Bradshaw for his 100th Oxford appearance - and in the 79th minute it paid dividends as Tyler Goodrham was fouled 30 yards from goal. He touched the free kick to Brannagan who rifled the ball past Ethan Horvath for a priceless equaliser to spark magnificent scenes in the packed away end.
With two games remaining, United are three points above the relegation zone, with Sunderland visiting the Kassam on Saturday for the final home game of the season.
UNITED: Cumming, Vaulks, Płacheta (Leigh 46), Brannagan, Bennett (Moore 82), Nelson, Matos (Rodrigues 69), Goodrham, Kioso (Phillips 46), Helik, Bradshaw (Harris 69)
Unused subs: Ingram, Romeny, El Mizouni, Mills
Attendance: 23,407 including a magnificent 3,095 from Oxford
Report: Martin Brodetsky; Photography: JasonPix, Steve Edmunds
