Oxford's reserves beat Luton Town's stiffs 2-0 at Didcot tonight, thanks to goals from strikers Matt Green and Jack Midson. United fielded a strong side, with Damian Batt making his return after a long lay-off and Sam Deering playing for the first time since his (presumably unsuccessful) trial at Leyton Orient.

Oxford started well, dominating possession and generally making Luton look like the non-league outfit that they are. However, they were unable to convert possession into decent chances or goals, with Green heading over when he should have buried the chance and Midson following suit with a copycat opportunity.

United continued in the second half where they had left off in the first, with Mitchell Cole coming more into the game, twice shooting narrowly over after exhibiting some excellent control. Deering tried his luck from long range but was also unable to keep the ball down. Green was guilty again of shooting over when well placed to score, and then a long-range effort from Batt was deflected narrowly wide as Oxford looked like the only side likely to win.

With 15 minutes to go United took the lead when Green's piledriver stormed into the net at approximately two miles per hour, the spin deceiving Dan Lowson, who opted to dive the wrong way while neither Midson nor the covering defender could quite get the final touch. As Luton looked for an equaliser Simon Eastwood was forced into his only save of the game as he raced out smartly to block a Ryan DaSilva effort, but Midson made the game safe with four minutes remaining. A smart pass from Cole found Deering wide on the left and his inch-perfect cross was headed powerfully home by the tall striker.

Apart from the result, which takes United back to the top of the Totesport.com Combination East Division the other positives for the Us were that Batt lasted the full game, despite a minor injury scare towards the end, and he looked very sharp; Cole put in a decent performance; Steven Kinniburgh had a fine game, as did Green; and there was a healthy crowd of 223 taking advantage of the cheap ticket price.

Simon Eastwood, Damian Batt, Leigh Franks, Mark Creighton (Sam Parish 63), Steven Kinniburgh, Richie Baker, Dan West, Sam Deering, Matt Green, Jack Midson, Mitchell Cole