Exeter and Oxford fought out a thrilling draw at St James’ Park as the U’s searched for three points to keep their hopes of an automatic promotion spot alive, and the Grecians continued their battle against the drop.
Oxford opened the scoring in the ninth minute when they were awarded a penalty.
Andy Roscoe was adjudged to have handled inside the box and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, Andy Crosby converting to the delight of Oxford's 1,500 travelling fans.
However, Exeter's response was instantaneous. Steve Flack controlled a long ball and found Sean Devine inside the box. The striker shrugged off a challenge before producing a clinical finish into the bottom corner with his left foot.
Chances continued to flow at both ends but it was Exeter who took the lead midway through the half when Justin Walker rose superbly at the far post to nod the ball home after meeting Roscoe's deep cross.
After the break Steve Flack should have stretched the Grecians’ lead when he met Walker's cross but he could only head into the arms Andy Woodman, while James Coppinger wasted a glorious chance for Exeter on the hour mark when he failed to beat the keeper after being put clean through.
Oxford leveled terms midway through the half. Bobby Ford's corner was met by Matt Bound and his shot deflected off Andy Scott and into the net.
Exeter pushed forward as they searched for a winner, Devine shooting across the face of goal and Kwame Ampadu seeing a late shot charged down.
Oxford boss Ian Atkins said: "We had the perfect start and got our noses ahead but we couldn't take advantage. They showed more commitment today that we did."