U's win local derby

Forget your swindon (easily done), Reading, Wycombe or Cheltenham, this was a true blood and thunder derby between two sides determined to best their cross-city rivals. Well, okay, it was more a typical hot July pre-season meaningless friendly, but the important statistic is that United won 1-0 thanks to a snap shot from Manny Omoyinmi eleven minutes from time.

United started with what could well be their first choice defence and midfield, and with Jefferson Louis and triallist Martin Gritton, formerly of Plymouth Argyle. This line-up lasted until half time when Manny came on for Gritton, who looked knackered most of the time but showed a few promising touches.

Fifteen minutes into the second half was when the substitutions started coming thick and fast. James Hunt went off to be replaced by another triallist, Adam Locke (formerly of Luton, Bristol City, Colchester and others), and then Paul Powell was swapped for Chris Hackett. Paul Moody replaced Louis and Simon King came on for the typically disappointing Dave Savage, playing in a wide position. Then both full backs, Steve McNiven and Matt Robinson were taken off with Sam Stockley and Sam Ricketts getting a run out for the last five minutes.

There was very little goalmouth action to report. Powell had a couple of wayward shots in the first half and Manny brought a save out of the City 'keeper. Then Manny and Moody started linking up well, aided by the pace of Hackett. Shortly before the goal Manny set up Moody whose hard low shot came back off the post, then good work from Hunt set up Manny, via a handball, for the goal. Andy Woodman didn't have a shot to save all game.

Of the new lads both the fullbacks looked solid, with Matt Robinson in particular linking up well with the midfield and overlapping to good effect. Hunt had a quiet first half but came into the game in the second, and Dave Waterman filled the Rob Quinn role, and was mainly anonymous. Quinn himself has apparently signed for Bristol Rovers, which means we can rule them out of any meaningful challenge next season.