Oxford United came away victorious from their first pre-season friendly of the new campaign, with a narrow, hard-fought 1-0 win over Oxford City. New striker James Constable scored the only goal after 36 minutes, when he controlled a low cross from fellow new signing Lewis Haldane, and then smashed the ball past Gareth Tucker into the top corner. Both Constable and Haldane joined today on one-year loan deals from Shrewsbury Town and Bristol Rovers respectively.

United fielded a stronger line up in the first half, with a triallist from Derby, Ben Hinchcliffe, looking solid in goal, covering for Billy Turley, who is still recovering from a shoulder operation that he had straight after the end of last season. The back four was Gary Silk, a triallist from Notts County, struggling at right back; Chris Willmott looking strong and fit after his long-term injury, and reporting no ill effects after the 45 minutes; Luke Foster; and new signing Chris Carruthers assured at left back. Haldane played wide right, and looked strong and quick, with Adam Murray in central midfield, wearing the captain's armband. Alongside him was another new signing, Joe Burnell, who looked a very useful partner for Murray. Phil Trainer played wide left. Up front, Constable looked sharp and tricky, and a very good acquisition, while Yemi struggled to get into the game, but did hit the bar following some neat Constable trickery, about five minutes before the goal.

In the second half United fielded a completely different side. Another triallist keeper, Aaron Plummer, took over from Hinchcliffe and gave an equally good show. Ian Sampson did well at right back, with James Clarke filling in superbly at left back. In the centre of defence Luke Bennett returned to action following his two long-term injuries, and looked to be fully recovered. Matt Day was overweight and looked like his close-season hasn't done him too many favours, although once he and Clarke swapped positions he seemed more comfortable. On the right wing Reuben Reid had an excellent game, looking strong, quick, and mobile, and he also played well when he moved into attack. Central midfield consisted of Rob Davies, who has been offered a short-term deal to see him through the pre-season, allowing United to take a longer look at him after another club expressed interest in him. Alongside him was out-of-favour Eddie Hutchinson, while the impressive Sam Deering played left wing. Dean Oliver, on trial from Sheffield United, and Michael Gash, on trial from Cambridge City, played up front. Neither really got into the game, and Gash in particular struggled with fitness, failing to dribble into the box. There was no sign of Barry Quinn, who is nursing a hamstring injury, or Alex Jeannin, who has also received a knock in training.

At this stage of the pre-season schedule the result is of much less importance than the gaining of fitness and the development of understanding between the players, many of whom only met each other in the last couple of days. However, there is some reason for optimism following the recent signings, and there is promise of more to come. As things stand there is the beginnings of a decent team, but Darren Patterson still has a job to create a strong squad.