Oxford United went down 2-1 at Brackley this afternoon, in their second pre-season game. A fine left-footed strike from Lewis Haldane in the 26th minute gave the Yellows the lead, which they maintained until half time. After the break, Oxford made ten changes, fielding a side largely comprising triallists and youth teamers, and Brackley struck twice to win the match.

Lewis Haldane scores Oxford's goal

In the first half, Oxford gave a first appearance to new goalkeeper Jake Cole, who has joined for three months on loan from QPR, as cover for Billy Turley, who is likely to be out for the first two months of the season following an operation on his shoulder. Jamie Clarke had a decent game at right back, keeping former United winger Tom Winters under control for much of the half. Matt Day and Chris Willmott played central defence and were solid enough, especially in the air. Left back Chris Carruthers continued the good showing he made at Oxford City on Tuesday. With Haldane playing on the left wing, that left Yemi on the opposite flank, although he struggled too often to beat the defenders, he was at least more involved than at Court Place Farm. The central midfield comprised Rob Davies and Joe Burnell, both of whom turned in decent performances, although without the assured leadership of Adam Murray, who was rested (along with Luke Foster and Phil Trainer). Up front, James Constable and Jamie Guy looked like they were starting to forge a decent partnership, both of them strong in the air and on the ground, although both should have scored when presented with opportunities to beat Richard Knight.

Triallist goalkeeper Ben Hinchcliffe replaced Cole at half time and, although he conceded two goals, he was at fault for neither. The equalising goal came from a shot from Dean Cracknell that was deflected and looped over Hinchcliffe's head, while the winner came from a header from Dean Spencer, who was unmarked at a corner. Gary Silk played at right back, and he did slightly better than against Oxford City, but with Winters exploiting the absence of Clarke, Silk was still found wanting too often. Day was the only player who played the full 90 minutes for United, and in the second period he seemed more assured, leading the defence alongside Luke Bennett. Ian Sampson played left back, but he failed to continue the form he showed in the second half against City. On the right wing United gave a game to first-year scholar Adam Bowerman who, despite the occasional nice flick and movement, did look out of his depth at times. Declan Benjamin played alongside Eddie Hutchinson in the centre of midfield, and while Declan looked up for the game, the same couldn't be said for Unsteady Eddie, unfortunately. The other transfer-listed player, Alex Jeannin, played on the left wing. He produced a far better performance than Hutchinson, and produced the occasional excellent pass, cross, and corner, but it was Winters who had the pace and ability required of a winger, not Jeannin. Up front, Alex Fisher was the best Oxford player on show in the second half, tormenting the Brackley defenders, and almost getting on the scoresheet a couple of times. He was partnered by former Cheltenham striker Craig Reid. He showed a couple of nice touches, but didn't look totally fit. It would be interesting to see how he fares after a few gym sessions.

This was a good work out against another decent side, and Darren Patterson would have learned a lot, about both his current first-choice players, and those on trial and on the fringes. With Michael Gash having returned to Cambridge City, and Reuben Reid not turning up, and no sign of Dean Oliver up front or Aaron Plummer in goal, it would seem that some of Patto's options are diminishing. The first 14 or 15 seem strong enough, but it's the strength in depth that could prove a problem if not addressed.