Doncaster inflicted only the second defeat in 16 matches on Oxford with a 1-0 triumph at the Keepmoat.
Rovers found themselves under pressure for long periods of the clash but went ahead through Reece James in the first half and soaked up pressure well.
Oxford started the stronger and should have been ahead early on when Matt Taylor was presented with a free header but sent it wide.
Doncaster settled into the game and took the lead after 34 minutes.
Full-back James latched onto a flick on from Niall Ennis and lashed a shot into the far corner from a tight angle.
Oxford, as expected, pushed hard for the equaliser in the second half but found clear-cut opportunities hard to come by.
The visitors saw an effort cleared off the line after a Taylor header spun off the post.
And Joe Wright hacked clear for Rovers after the striker slammed a loose ball on goal from 15 yards with Oxford struggling to craft chances in the late stages.
74'
Doncaster Rovers 1-0 Oxford United - Match Highlights
Doncaster inflicted only the second defeat in 16 matches on Oxford with a 1-0 triumph at the Keepmoat.
Rovers found themselves under pressure for long periods of the clash but went ahead through Reece James in the first half and soaked up pressure well.
Oxford started the stronger and should have been ahead early on when Matt Taylor was presented with a free header but sent it wide.
Doncaster settled into the game and took the lead after 34 minutes.
Full-back James latched onto a flick on from Niall Ennis and lashed a shot into the far corner from a tight angle.
Oxford, as expected, pushed hard for the equaliser in the second half but found clear-cut opportunities hard to come by.
The visitors saw an effort cleared off the line after a Taylor header spun off the post.
And Joe Wright hacked clear for Rovers after the striker slammed a loose ball on goal from 15 yards with Oxford struggling to craft chances in the late stages.