Dumbarton 0 Oxford United 2

Oxford won their second pre-season friendly this afternoon, beating Dumbarton 2-0 in the first game of their brief Scottish tour. A goal in each half was enough for United, who were rarely threatened by their hosts in a game that was comfortable for a sharp-looking Oxford side.

United started with triallist Leigh Franks getting another run out, and new signings Ben Purkiss, Richie Baker, Simon Heslop, and Asa Hall all featuring. Oxford dominated from the start, with Sons goalie Stephen Grindley saving well from both James Constable and Alfie Potter, while Constable also hit the underside of the crossbar, flicked the ball against the post, and put the ball in the net, but was harshly pulled back because Sam Deering was offside. The Us took the lead in the 19th minute when Hall exchanged passes with Heslop before unleashing a fierce shot that Grindley could only parry straight at Potter, whose follow-up shot was also saved by the 'keeper, but only back to Potter who finally scored.

Oxford retained the same line-up for the second-half, although 12 minutes in Dannie Bulman replaced Hall, who had taken a knock. Midway through the second period United doubled their score when Purkiss burst into the Dumbarton penalty area. Grindley forced him to stop and turn, but his pass found Deering who neatly chipped the stranded Sons stopper to make the score 2-0.

The goal was followed shortly by a plethora of substitutions, with only Eastwood, Baker, and Heslop of the starting line-up remaining on the pitch. Included among the changes were Harry Worley, a centre-back on trial following his release by Leicester City. There was a moment of concern when substitute Mitchell Cole was himself subbed for Aaron Woodley after rolling an ankle, and Woodley immediately went close with a blocked shot and a header that went over.

The truism, that will doubtless be oft repeated, is that results in pre-season are less important than match practice, fitness, and systems. Try telling that to the 150-odd Us fans who made the long trip to Clydeside. Two games and two wins, but the manner of both victories is what was most pleasing as the new players slotted seamlessly alongside the established players and immediately fitted into Chris Wilder's favoured formations.