OXFORD United conceded a stoppage-time equaliser as they let a two-goal lead slip to draw at Leyton Orient.

The U's appeared to be on course for a fifth straight victory at half-time, when they led through goals from Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram.

But Jay Simpson pulled a goal back for Orient, who were given another boost when Jordan Graham picked up a foolish second yellow card with more than 20 minutes still remaining.

United, who twice came close to making it 3-1 through the tireless Liam Sercombe, almost survived, but substitute Scott Kashket found room in a crowded penalty area to make it 2-2 in the 91st minute.

Callum O'Dowda came straight back into the starting line-up after international duty with Republic of Ireland Under 21s.

He replaced Danny Hylton, who dropped to the bench in the only change to the starting line-up from last Saturday's 1-0 win against AFC Wimbledon.

Orient were Sky Bet League Two's fastest starters, winning their first five games, and made a bright opening here.

It took a very important block from Jake Wright inside 90 seconds to deny Blair Turgott a good chance in the box.

United had plenty of defensive work to do in the first ten minutes, before gaining a foothold in the game.

It was provided by Graham, who whipped in several dangerous balls in quick succession from the right flank.

And on 16 minutes he was the provider as a corner was only cleared to the winger, whose centre dropped for Roofe to lash in from close range.

United's sold out away contingent went crazy and they went on to watch their side make themselves at home.

Orient were pressed in possession and repeatedly squandered possession with balls over the top which the visiting back four handled without any trouble.

The visitors looked a threat when they went forward and Johnny Mullins forced a save from Alex Cisak when a free-kick was only half-cleared.

Orient's goalkeeper was unable to do anything about Lundstram's 33rd-minute strike, which took a deflection off Connor Essam which left him clawing at fresh air.

Sercombe deserved plenty of credit for the burst forward to set up the 25-yard shot, but the move had started when a backtracking Roofe won the ball in his own half.

Orient did not stretch United until five minutes before the break.

Cox's cross found John Marquis, who headed down for Turgott to force a deflected shot wide.

The home side were booed off at half-time, but the chorus would have been even louder if Roofe's shot at a corner just before the break had gone the other side of Cisak's post.

Orient boss Ian Hendon responded with a double change, bringing on Jack Payne and Ollie Palmer for the second half.

The home side immediately saw more of the ball and began to dictate the game.

United were more conservative than they were in the first half and came under pressure.

They dealt with it until just after the hour mark, when Orient pulled a goal back.

Payne launched a long ball forward which was glanced down by fellow substitute Palmer for Simpson to score from ten yards.

If that was avoidable from a defensive point of view, more pressure was piled on United three minutes later.

Graham, already on a booking, kicked the ball away after a free-kick had been awarded and referee Ross Joyce produced a second yellow card.

It left 23 minutes for United to see out against a rejuvenated Orient.

With the home fans suddenly awakened the home side poured forward.

Slocombe saved from Mathieu Baudry at a corner, while the back four had to live on their wits against a side who were strong in the air.

United only rarely got to relieve the pressure with spells in the attacking half.

Almost all of them centred around Sercombe, whose phenomenal energy almost earned a third goal.

Twice in quick succession he tested Cisak, whose second save to keep out the midfielder's volley was breathtaking.

United inched their way towards victory, but as the game drifted into stoppage time Orient drew level.

Kashket was just given enough space just inside the box to steer a low shot in off the post.

Slocombe still had to make saves to keep out Palmer and Simpson, before United held on for a point.

Leyton Orient: Cisak, Clohessy, Essam, Baudry, Chicksen, Pritchard, Turgott (Payne HT), Cox (Palmer HT), Moore, Marquis (Kashket 79), Simpson.

Unused subs: Grainger, Shaw, James, Moncur.

Oxford Utd: Slocombe, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, Graham, Sercombe, Lundstram, O'Dowda (MacDonald 80), Roofe, Taylor (Hoban 80).

Unused subs: Buchel, Dunkley, Ruffels, Rose, Hylton.

Referee: Ross Joyce (Cleveland).

Attendance: 6,296 (1,388 visitors).