United reserves kept a clean sheet against Colchester reserves at Court Place Farm this afternoon, although they themselves were unable to score in an entertaining 0-0 draw. Colchester had by far the better chances, hitting the post twice and the bar twice, while Oxford had to wait until midway through the second half before Dean Gerken had to make his first real save, from a Craig Davies shot. By this time Bradie Clarke had pulled off two excellent stops.

Compared to the Essex boys, United fielded a very inexperienced team, with only captain Lee Molyneaux and Davies with extensive first-team experience. Josh Kennett had a solid game at right back, with Andrew Gunn alongside Molly in central defence, and Ben Weedon at left back. A very inexperienced midfield featured Paul Burton wide right and Tom Winters on the opposite wing, with two triallists in the centre. Stuart Bridges was originally on Oxford’s books, being a Bicester lad, but is currently with Aston Villa, while Andy Ferrell is at Watford, having joined from Newcastle United. Midway through the second half Bridges made way for Danny Brown, while Ferrell impressed with a committed performance, somewhat reminscent of Mickey Lewis, but without the two-footed tackles. Up front Billy Beechers partnered Davies, while Kyle McCoy replaced Winters with about 15 minutes left.

Amine Karam was listed on the team sheet as a substitute, but due to an ankle injury he was unable to play. Also in attendance were Horacio Rodriguez and Pablo Fernandez, alongside translator Giuliani Iacoppi and club doctor Rafael Giulietti. Jean-Marc Goiran was also in attendance. Giulietti will almost certainly be leaving the club at the end of the season, due to family reasons, while the futures of the rest of the staff is still unknown, as is that of Karam, although all should be determined sometime this week.