Mickey Lewis praised the contributions of Oxford United’s fringe players as they drew 2-2 away to Watford Reserves on Tuesday.

The U’s led 2-0 in their totesport.com Football Combination East Division match, but had to share the points after a revival from the Championship club.

“It was a really good first-half performance,” said assistant manager Lewis. “Watford had a real go in the second half and came back into it.

“But a lot of our players needed the match and it will have done wonders for them.”

One worry for United was an injury picked up by centre back Leigh Franks, who felt his hamstring tighten just before half-time and was immediately replaced.

With Jake Wright missing over the Christmas period with a metatarsal injury, Franks is the only recognised back-up for centre backs Harry Worley and Ben Futcher.

Asa Hall headed United into the lead after only 72 seconds from Josh Payne’s cross.

Aaron Woodley almost made it 2-0, but was denied by Watford keeper Jonathan Bond.

However, Bond was helpless to stop triallist Elliott Chamberlain from doubling the lead, the Leicester youngster reacting quickly after a Woodley shot came back off an upright.

Watford pulled a goal back five minutes short of the break when midfielder Chez Isaac fired home after United failed to clear a corner.

With 25 minutes left, it was all-square.

Sean Murray sent an inswinging free-kick into the box and Britt Assombalonga beat U’s keeper Simon Eastwood to the ball to earn the Hornets a point.

Matt Green could have won it for United late on when through on goal, but Bond saved his effort and then smothered the rebound to safety.

Oxford Utd: Eastwood, Purkiss, Tonkin, McLaren, Franks (Hinchliffe 43), Gaughan, Chamberlain (McDonagh 70), Payne (West 80), Woodley, Hall, Green. Subs not used: Crocombe, West, Ross.