Oxford United defeated Plymouth Argyle 2-0 to increase the pressure on under-fire boss Wayne Rooney.

Oxford took the lead in the first half through a diving header by Ciaron Brown at the back post.

They doubled their advantage after half-time, with Przemyslaw Placheta scoring his second goal of the season after being played through by Ruben Rodrigues.

This latest defeat extends Argyle's winless run to nine league matches and leaves them rooted at the bottom of the Championship.

Elsewhere, Cardiff beat Watford 2-1 to secure their first Championship win since early November.

Callum Robinson grabbed both of Cardiff's goals at Vicarage Road, where he put the visitors ahead after just 55 seconds.

Tom Cleverley's Watford equalised through Giorgi Chakvetadze, but just four minutes later Robinson netted the winner from close range.

Cardiff's win moved them into 22nd, a place behind Hull City, who shocked Blackburn Rovers.

Substitute Ryan Longman scored his first goal in two years to claim a 1-0 win at Ewood Park for the Tigers.

Promotion-chasing Sunderland were also dealt a blow as they fell to a late 1-0 defeat at Stoke City.

Tom Cannon's ninth league goal of the season, two minutes into injury time, handed caretaker boss Ryan Shawcross a win in Stoke's first game after the dismissal of Narcis Pelach.

The Potters moved up to 18th, but Portsmouth dropped back into the bottom three following a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bristol City.

Three goals in 20 first-half minutes, including a double from Anis Mehmeti, did the damage for the home side at Ashton Gate.