A strong Oxford reserve side beat a strongish Ipswich Town reserves 2-0 at Portman Road this afternoon. Sam Deering gave United the lead after just five minutes, when his free-kick was deflected past Arran Lee-Barrett. Richie Baker scored the second ten minutes before half-time when he volleyed home from Deering's header.

Pretty much the whole of United's second-string was in action, as the Us started with Simon Eastwood between the sticks. Leigh Franks was tried at right-back, while youth-team player Sam Parish lined up alongside Mark Creighton in the centre of defence, with Stevie Kinniburgh at left-back. United played four across the middle, with Alfie Potter on the right, Baker and Dannie Bulman in the centre, and Mitchell Cole on the left. Up front, Deering played in a central role just behind Jack Midson. Simon Clist had an injured foot and so was unable to play. Aaron Woodley replaced Cole with 15 minutes remaining, while ROS Henry Owen was among the unused subs.

Ipswich, managed by Chris Kiwomya, included Luciano Civelli and Damien Delaney, making their return from injury, and also Ainsley Dunbar in defence. However, this was not the former Frank Zappa drummer, but rather Jack Ainsley and Seb Dunbar, who would appear to be two totally unrelated people. Roy Keane was watching from the stands.

After Deering's opener, Eastwood had to make a couple of good saves from Reggie Lambe, as the home side looked to hit back. Ronan Murray and Civelli also called Eastwood into action. At the other end, Lee-Barrett did well to save a Creighton volley. In the second half Eastwood was again the busier 'keeper, saving from Lambe and Josh Carson before doing well to keep out a Colin Healy free-kick.

Although United's defence was the busier, Oxford's endeavour and discipline were strong, and the Us were able to capitalise on their few chances. This was a good result against a side that had previously beaten Oxford 9-0 when they last met almost four years ago. Revenge is a dish best served very, very cold.