A young Oxford United XI drew 1-1 with Banbury United at the Spencer Stadium this evening, in the latest pre-season friendly. Former United youth player Howard Forinton opened the scoring for the home side, slipping the ball past the onrushing Bradie Clarke before firing home, just two minutes before half-time. United drew level four minutes after the break when triallist Steve Astwood, a Bermudan international striker, powered home from six yards.

Jamie Brooks, at 20 years old, was the most senior Oxford player on view, and the only one with any real first-team experience, although Clarke, who had seven minutes against Ipswich last night, played the full game. Tom Winters also made an appearance, coming on with about half an hour to go. There was no sign of any of the new signings, or triallists, who have played in United’s other games this summer, although Southend’s Tommy Dossa did make a belated substitute appearance. As well as Astwood, United featured another Bermuda international, midfielder Khano Smith. Both he and Astwood played very well.

This was a scrappy game, which never really got going. United failed to make any clear-cut chances, the goal apart, and will be thankful for a goal-line clearance from Adam Garner, followed by an excellent save by Clarke, in the final minute. The referee was Mark Asplen and the attendance was 320.