The U's extended their unbeaten run and League One to eight games and rose to third in the table whilst inflicting a first defeat in seven onto the Hatters.

Aaron Ramsey's Yellows exploited Jimmy McNulty's side's high line to go ahead in the first half before creating more chances in the second.

A tired late push from Stockport saw Oxford defend their box impressively to see out a statement win.

It was almost an early celebration for Harris who found the net just seconds into proceedings, sweeping home Luka Lynch's ball across but seeing the flag go up against him.

Louie Sibley strikes wide (Image: Steve Daniels)

Stockport hit back, Ryan Glover putting a shot wide before league top scorer Kyle Wootton headed just over the crossbar.

A half volley from Benony Andresson bounced over the bar before Harris flagged offside for a third time as he tried to exploit the Hatters' high line.

The County no.9 forced the first save from Jamie Cumming who got down to push his second shot wide.

After plenty of tries, the Yellows finally exploited the visitors' high line, Siriki Dembele being played in down the left and squaring it to Harris who picked his spot.

Midfielder Louie Sibley looked for a second with a powerful, deflected shot saved before Harris turned an attempt at the keeper which was almost identical to the one he scored.

Mark Harris and Siriki Dembele celebrates the former's opening goal (Image: Steve Daniels)

Tyler Goodrham hit early in the second half, putting a shot just wide but Ryan Glover hit back with Cumming saving at his near post.

Consecutive blocks from Cameron Brannagan and Goodrham kept Stockport at bay before the U's captain blasted an effort at an away shirt.

Cumming stopped another Glover effort shortly after, Dembele forcing a save at the other end moments later after a quick counter attack.

A curled effort high and wide from Sibley preceded the United keeper being called into action again, this time diving to deny Harry Wood.

The Hatters started to look for a later equaliser, Mikael Mandron firing into the side netting, but the U's did not let up, Brannagan lashing a free kick at goal which Oliver Whatmuff batted away.

Mark Harris sees an early strike ruled out for offside (Image: Steve Daniels)

Gatlin O'Donkor then put an Aidomo Emakhu ball over the bar, Oxford defending their box well at the other end to see out big victory.

Yellows: Cumming, Kioso, Helik, Brown, Currie (Spencer 74), Brannagan, Sibley (Andrews 66), Lynch (O'Donkor 66), Goodrham (Emakhu 66), Dembele (Missanga 83), Harris

Hatters: Whatmuff, Bate (Mandron 71), Pye, O'Connell, Andresson (Diamond 67), Norwood (Fiorini 46), Glover, Wood (Adigun 66), Wootton, Osborn (Ennis 46), Jobe

Bookings: Currie; Pye