DANNY Hylton's powerful finish earned Oxford United a draw on the opening day of the season against Crawley Town.

A point was not what the home fans craved after a summer which had raised expectations, but at one stage it looked like they were heading for defeat.

Gwion Edwards headed the visitors in front after almost an hour of a contest where clear chances were at a premium.

Hylton struck nine minutes later to calm the nerves, but United were unable to find a winner against a stubborn Crawley, despite finishing strongly.

There were no surprises on the teamsheet as Michael Appleton named the same XI which had played the majority of pre-season.

Hylton made a lively start to the campaign and was at the heart of everything early on.

The forward needed to be alert in his own six-yard box when Crawley won the first corner, rising to nod away Jon Ashton's header across goal.

Within seconds Hylton threatened at the other end, driving to the byline and crossing low towards Ryan Taylor, but Joe McNerney made a vital clearance.

Crawley were typically rugged and Simon Walton was booked early on for going through the back of Hylton.

The visitors' No 4 was then on the receiving end, when a challenge from Taylor forced him off to get stitches for a head injury.

Crawley played for six minutes with ten men, but aside from a probing Baldock run which ended with the full back's shot blocked, United could not take advantage.

It was a similar story once Walton returned, with the hosts unable to fashion a clear chance.

Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was exerted just once before half-time, diving to make a routine save after Kemar Roofe cut in from the right and fired in a low left-footed shot.

In the meantime Crawley were happy to restrict United for space, forcing them to search long for Taylor and Hylton more often than they would have wanted.

The hosts emerged for the second half with more purpose, Roofe and Taylor steering efforts wide early on.

But 11 minutes after the restart, Crawley pinched a scruffy goal.

Indecision between Sam Slocombe and Joe Skarz allowed the quick-thinking Lee Barnard to nick the ball, which was crossed back in for Edwards to eventually head in.

United were stung - and almost found themselves 2-0 down when Jon Ashton headed just wide from Luke Rooney's corner.

It was a let-off which the hosts gratefully accepted, and within nine minutes of falling behind they drew level.

Danny Rose was the provider, chipping the ball over the defence to meet the run of Hylton, who steadied himself before lashing a shot past Woodman.

United had 25 minutes to find a winner, although the next two openings fell to Crawley substitute Matt Harrold.

It took a last-gasp intervention from Johnny Mullins to deny the striker a clear run on goal after one long ball, while the next opening was headed wide.

United finished the stronger side, though.

Woodman clawed an audacious effort from Roofe round the post and the goalkeeper was forced into another good save from the resulting corner to keep out a firm header from Mullins.

Crawley's defence still had to survive a couple more nervous moments, but they held on to ensure the points were shared.

Oxford Utd: Slocombe, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, Roofe, Sercombe, Rose (Ruffels 80), MacDonald (O'Dowda 77), Hylton, Taylor (Hoban 60).

Unused subs: Crocombe, Long, Dunkley, Ashby.

Crawley Tn: Woodman, Donnelly, Ashton, McNerney, Bradley, Walton (Henderson ht), Smith, Rooney, Deacon (Young 69), Edwards, Barnard (Harrold 69).

Unused subs: Preston, Fenelon, Bawling.

Referee: Jeremy Simpson (Lancashire).

Attendance: 6,349 (299 visitors).