A very young and inexperienced United side went down 2-1 at Nuneaton Borough this evening. The game remained goalless until midway into the second half when two goals in two minutes ensured a Nuneaton victory. Triallist Gerrard McCargo pulled a goal back for Oxford with a header four minutes from time.

The watching crowd had a big surprise when a familiar face appeared in a United shirt. You won’t find this mentioned on the official website, but playing at left back for the Us was one Paul Powell. Presumably this is being kept hush-hush to prevent excitable Oxford fans from putting two and two together and coming up with five, but why not, eh? Also playing for the Us was Simon Cox in goal, Dwight Ciampoli, a triallist by name of Lomax (about whom we know nowt), Darren Patterson and Adam Van Dommele in defence. Michael Alexis, David Oldfield and triallist Tommy Widdrington completed the midfield, and up front Dexter Blackstock (as sponsored by Rage On) was partnered by Manny Omoyinmi, who contrived to miss a one-on-one.

Only two substitutions were made, Rob Lovegrove replacing Ciampoli and McCargo coming on for Dexter. Widdrington was presumably being given another opportunity to stake his claim for a contract as Ian Atkins presumably only has one squad place remaining and has to choose between the former Hartlepool player, Paul Wanless and Fitzroy Simpson.

Meanwhile, last night an Oxford United youth side beat an Oxford City youth team 2-1 at Court Place Farm.