Callum Wright's early second half goal was cancelled out late on at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium as 2022 began with a point on the road for Cheltenham Town.
Wright was back amongst the goals when he found the net early in the second half to score the Robins first goal of the new year.
Oxford fought back though, and had Mark Sykes to thank for his equaliser in the final ten minutes to rescue a point.
The Robins returned to action after Wednesday's game at MK Dons was postponed due to COVID-19 issues, and they welcomed back Will Boyle into the squad for the first time since mid-October with the defender featuring as a second half substitute.
A bright start saw Lewis Freestone force Simon Eastwood into a sprawling save at his near post as the Robins influenced the game early on.
Oxford grew into the contest and Cameron Brannagan saw a shot go just wide, while on the half hour the home side were given a huge chance to open the scoring when referee Carl Brook awarded a penalty against Owen Evans for a foul on Matty Taylor.
Evans stood tall and kept his nerve to stay central in his goal as he successfully kept out Taylor's attempt from 12 yards.
Sykes saw a couple of opportunities go close with the hosts in the ascendancy before half time, but it would be Cheltenham who would strike first early in the second half.
Alfie May's corner wasn't cleared by the Oxford defence, and Wright was free to poke in.
Liam Sercombe's goal scoring antics for Oxford helped the U's win promotion from League Two a number of seasons ago, and he forced Eastwood into a save low to his left with a rasping strike to go close to doubling the lead.
Oxford's leveller came on 83 minutes. A ball across the face of goal reached Sykes who touched in.
It was the only clear opportunity they could muster as they failed to find a late winner and the Robins made the short trip back down the A40 with a useful away point.
OXFORD: S Eastwood, S Long, J Thorniley, E Moore, R Williams (S Winnall 69), C Brannagan, M Taylor, M Sykes, M McGuane (G Whyte 61), H Kane, S Seddon
Subs not used: J Stevens, J Mousinho, L McNally, G Whyte, B Bodin, B Davis
ROBINS: O Evans, M Blair, C Raglan, M Pollock (W Boyle 76), S Long, L Freestone, L Sercombe, C Thomas, C Wright (E Bonds 74), K Joseph (A Williams 87), A May
Subs not used: S Flinders, D Crowley, D Barkers, C Norton
REFEREE: Carl Brook
ATTENDANCE: 8,351 (508 Robins)