United and Yeovil shared eight goals in their Pontins League reserve fixture at Court Place Farm this afternoon, in a game in which both teams held the lead at one stage or another. Jefferson Louis was United’s hero in a game which also saw Andy Scott play his first full 90 minutes since breaking his leg at Boston in September. Scott played as the left-sided central defender in a back three.

United went ahead after eight minutes, when Matt Brandish’s corner went straight in, and Louis added to that after 21 minutes with a powerful long-range shot. Shaun Smith pulled one back for Yeovil ten minutes before half-time.

The visitors equalised through Andrew Lindegaard after an hour, and four minutes later they took the lead when Jamie Gosling beat Simon Cox. United got themselves back into the game when Adam Garner shot home after a volley from Australian triallist Dave Carney was blocked, and with twelve minutes left Louis scored his second of the game to restore United’s lead. However it was not to be and Yeovil managed a deserved equaliser from Dale Williams with just four minutes remaining.

Cox had an excellent game in goal, making several good saves to deny Yeovil and keep Oxford in the game. Jamie Brooks came through yet another 90 minutes as he continues on the comeback trail, but the rest of the Oxford side was comprised of youngsters and Dave Oldfield (who definitely doesn’t fall into that category). This was a good workout in almost freezing conditions, but United fans will be more interested in who wasn’t involved, with Lee Steele, Mark Rawle and Chris Hackett all conspicuous by their absence, maybe because of possible involvement on Saturday?

Talking of Saturday, when Kidderminster come to town, United’s supporters trust OxVox have issued a press release welcoming the club’s decision to open up the North Stand to home supporters for this match and the Bury game on 21st February. OxVox states its wish, echoed here, that the club decides to keep the North Stand open to Oxford fans for all future home games as it widens choice and improves the atmosphere. Let’s hope the club is listening.