United went down 3-0 to a semi-decent Tottenham outfit at the KasStad this afternoon. United put up a good defensive display for much of the first half, with Spurs’ new signing Bobby Zamora limited to a couple of half chances which Oxford’s defence, featuring young Simon Cox in goal, dealt with admirably. After about 20 minutes Spurs took the lead when Zamora pounced on a loose ball in the area to shoot home, with Cox looking a bit distracted due to a few of Spurs yobbish fans thinking they could take on the whole East Stand. Gits. In first half injury time Zamora scored the second goal for Tottenham, as he reacted quickly to a mix-up between Cox and Matt Bound to tap home.

In the second half Oxford looked a bit livelier and ROS Chris Hackett caused Spurs a few problems with his pace, and Julian Alsop went close with headers on a couple of occasions. Midway through the half a sublime finish from Robbie Keane sealed the result and emphasised the difference in class between the two sides, with Tottenham passing the ball around neatly in front of the Oxford box and United resorting to chasing and harrying.

Apart from Cox, who made a couple of excellent saves and caught the ball comfortably on several occasions, as well as distributing the ball quickly and accurately with both kicking and throwing (take note Andy Woodman), United’s line-up also featured Danny Brown, who looked lively and skillful but who must learn to cross a bit better; traillist Tommy Widdrington, who again looked comfortable on the ball and made some good passes and challenges; Julian Alsop who again looks overweight but who won just about everything in the air and, unlike players such as Nick Cusack and Trevor Aylott, actually directed his headers rather than letting the ball bounce of his bonce.

Hackett again linked up well with both Alsop and Dean Whitehead, who played much deeper as a right wing-back, and when Dexter Blackstock (also sponsored by Rage On for this season) replaced Alsop (Steve Basham already having replaced Hackett) the 16 year old didn’t look out of place amongst the senior professionals. Derek Townsley looked very tall in midfield but displayed some skillful touches, and his long legs proved very useful in making unlikely challenges. Jamie Brooks made an appearance for the last five minutes to a standing ovation and looked fast and lively. Rob Lovegrove also came on but in his 30 seconds cameo he didn’t touch the ball.

All in all this was a good workout, especially for some of the younger kids, although not too much can be read into it. Players who didn’t feature, such as Paul McCarthy, Mark Rawle and Lee Steele, could yet prove to be important components for the season ahead, and there’s still Manny Omoyinmi, Jefferson Louis and David Oldfield in reserve.