United began their pre-season friendlies with games against Walsall and Thame United, and ended up losing 7-2 on aggregate. The first team squad had a workout against the Saddlers at Lilleshall in a game consisting of three thirty-minute thirds. The first two-thirds were goalless but then Oxford conceded four goals before Dexter Blackstock pulled a goal back right at the end. ROS Chris Hackett hit the bar. Also featuring for the Us were Danny Brown who, it is alleged, has now signed a contract for United, and Andrew Mumford. Derek Townsley and Mark Rawle didn’t play as they are carrying minor knocks, as is Paul McCarthy.

Meanwhile the under-19s were in action at Windmill Road against Thame United in a game arranged as a thank-you to Thame for offloading Jefferson Louis onto us. The home side went ahead after 18 minutes from a penalty and doubled their lead five minutes before half-time. Billy Beechers then finished well from a Dwight Ciampoli through-ball, but Thame finished the match by far the stronger and completed a 3-1 victory with a goal on the hour.