United’s new pre-season campaign got under way this evening with a routine win at Didcot Town. In front of 1,220 spectators at Loop Meadow, United started brightly, with new right winger Carl Pettefer forcing Chris Webb into a save in the first minute. After that, both sides settled down, and both teams knocked the ball around comfortably. United had the better possession, but the first real opportunity fell to the Railwaymen when a strong run from former Oxford player Jamie Brooks set up Stuart Beavon for a shot that Chris Tardif saved easily. United triallist Robbie Dale then headed over when he should have scored following a fine far-post cross from Eddie Anaclet-Odhiambo, playing at right back. Didcot took the lead when Brooks finished off a sweeping move down the right.

Despite this setback Oxford continued to press, with Billy Beechers forcing Webb into a decent block, before United equalised. Anaclet was the catalyst, feeding the ball into the penalty area, where Beechers again forced Webb into a save. This time, however, Barry Quinn followed up to smash the ball high into the net.

A completely new Oxford side took to the field for the second half, which was only a few minutes old when Yemi Odubade, who had already used his pace to trouble the Didcot defence, burst clear to calmly chip the onrushing Webb. Oxford’s superiority was now evident, and there was some particularly decent movement on the right, where Guinean triallist Mohamed Lamine linked up well with Yemi to force the home side onto the back foot.

United finished the scoring in style, as new professional Josh Kennet picked up the ball in midfield, advanced, and unleashed an unstoppable shot from 30 yards that left Webb groping at air. The final scoreline was probably a fair reflection of the balance of play, although United could have scored more but for a superb save by Webb from triallist Rob Duffy in the second half, while Yemi also went close to grabbing his second.

Oxford players who grabbed the eye in the first half included the pacey Anaclet, who linked up well with Pettefer on the right, while Phil Gilchrist was as solid as ever at the back. Gavin Johnson gave an assured display at left back, while Andy Burgess was possibly the most influential player on the pitch, ruling the midfield. In the second period Yemi’s short bursts of pace frightened the Didcot defence, while Lamine added a touch of flair on the right.