Oxford United secured a vital victory at Deepdale as they moved out of the Sky Bet Championship relegation places with a 3-1 win over Preston North End.

The U’s made the perfect start when Michal Helik fired them ahead inside five minutes, capitalising on some hesitant defending.

Preston responded quickly, though, as Milutin Osmajic levelled in a frantic opening spell, with both early goals owing something to defensive lapses.

Oxford continued to carry the greater threat and passed up several good opportunities to restore their advantage before the break.

They did reclaim the lead shortly after it, however, when Will Lankshear produced a composed, deft finish to make it 2-1.

Ciaron Brown then hooked in a third to give Matt Bloomfield’s side breathing room and put them firmly on course for back‑to‑back league wins for the first time this season.

The result lifts Oxford out of the bottom three on goal difference at the expense of West Bromwich Albion, while Preston slip to 12th - eight points outside the top six - after suffering a sixth defeat in 10 matches.

Oxford earn crucial Deepdale win to climb out of relegation zone

Oxford earn crucial Deepdale win to climb out of relegation zone