United's youth team paid a visit to Carterton Town's Kilkenny Lane ground for their first pre-season friendly, their game at Kidlington, scheduled for last Saturday, falling victim to the weather. The youth team have several friendlies arranged prior to the start of the season, all away, including at Reading. They have also been drawn to play Carterton's youth team at Kilkenny Lane in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Youth Cup, to be played at the end of September.

This was quite an even game, although the Oxford youngsters passed the ball around better, and looked more threatening going forward. Both side's goalkeepers were troubled on only a couple of occasions, but it was the Oxford boys who came out on top, winning 2-0 with a goal in each half. The first came when Innocent Dzviti pounced on a rebound to slot the ball past James Domm, about ten minutes before the break.

Ben Spilman rides a challenge

After the interval, the Oxford side controlled the game for long periods, without being able to extend their lead. For a friendly there were a few meaty challenges flying in, but the game was well controlled by young referee Anthony Coggins, who has been fourth official at Grenoble Road on occasion. The Us eventually scored their second with only a couple of minutes remaining, Sam Deering hitting a long-range drive into the top of the net.

Declan Benjamin goes close at a corner

It would seem from this game that this season's crop of youngsters could well emulate the successes of last year's side, although today's line-up included professional Ben Weedon at left back, and he was undoubtedly the best player on the field of play. It was also surprising to see Alex Fisher, a highly thought of striker, playing in the centre of defence.