Oxford United 1 Gravesend & Northfleet 0

A SPIRITED Gravesend side lost 1-0 and had defender Peter Hawkins sent off at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

What proved to be the winner came against the run of play 10 minutes before half-time when Dan Rose's fine cross was superbly headed in by top scorer Robert Duffy.

The home side were denied a strong claim for a penalty in the second half when Yemi Odubade seemed to be brought down by Peter Hawkins.

Fleet's hopes of getting back into the game were dealt a blow on the hour mark when Hawkins was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

But Liam Daish's side did come close to an equaliser when Joel Ledgister's effort from an acute angle hit the side netting.

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