Oxford United have failed to close the gap on top-of-the-table Chesterfield after being held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Bury.

In an evenly matched first half, both sides failed to create any real opportunities with the game's first chance falling to Bury's Anton Forrester, who got on the end of Ashley Grimes's cross, only for Oxford keeper Ryan Clarke to pluck the ball out of the air.

The contest burst into life just short of the hour mark when the Shakers took the lead through Craig Jones, with the midfielder pouncing on Clarke's mistake to fire into an empty net.

Oxford were level just two minutes later, however, with Josh Ruffel scoring his first professional goal as he headed home a Danny Rose corner to level the match.

Bury stopper Brian Jensen and Oxford's David Connolly collided in the closing stages to ensure seven minutes of time would be added on at the end at the JD Stadium, but neither side could find a winner.