Oxford United's new manager Gary Rowett enjoyed a winning start to life at the Kassam Stadium, as his side defeated Cardiff City 3-2 in a thrilling Championship encounter. The hosts took the lead through former Bluebird Mark Harris, who fired home from close range after a rare moment of quality from the home side split the Cardiff defence. Oxford United made the result safe with two goals in four minutes after the interval, as Ciaron Brown headed home a second before Przemyslaw Placheta crashed home a sensational third. Cardiff substitute Cian Ashford scored a late consolation goal, but it was not enough to save them from a defeat that moves Oxford out of the bottom three. The Bluebirds are now firmly in relegation trouble, having won only two of their last 23 league games on Boxing Day. Gary Rowett was able to recall Louie Sibley and Siriki Dembele from ankle injuries, as he named an Oxford United starting XI for the first time. Cardiff boss Omer Riza made two changes to his starting side, as the Bluebirds switched to a back three. The first half produced few clear-cut opportunities, with both sides lacking confidence and quality in the final third. Chris Willock's effort deflected onto the crossbar, with Yakou Meite's effort on the rebound lacking the power to beat goalkeeper Jamie Cumming. Oxford United showed a ruthless side to fully exploit Cardiff's deficiencies, with Brown scoring the crucial second goal. Placheta scored a sensational third, curling home emphatically from long range with a brilliant left-footed effort. The hosts looked more likely to add to the scoring, but Cardiff did snatch a consolation when substitute Ashford was given too much time and space in the penalty area. Callum Robinson added a second with virtually the last kick of the game, but it was too little too late as they slipped to three points adrift of safety. Oxford United's victory represents arguably their most important win of the campaign, while Cardiff are now battling to survive relegation. The Bluebirds have not won on 26 December since 2012, and this defeat will only increase the pressure on Omer Riza's side. Gary Rowett's side, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum, as they aim to climb the Championship table.