Oxford City 1 Oxford United 0

United went down to their third successive pre-season defeat in a hard-fought encounter at Court Place Farm. City scored in the 25th minute after a long-range shot from Elliot Sandy hit Leigh Franks on his back and looped over the stranded Ryan Clarke. The Us were wearing their new away kit for the third time, and they have still to score in it following a 0-0 draw at Livingston and a 1-0 defeat at Brackley Town.

United started the game with purpose, with Alfie Potter and Aaron Woodley looking particularly lively, but after the first few minutes the game settled down. City had rarely got within sight of the Us' goal before they took the lead, while United had probed and delivered a number of dangerous crosses that failed to trouble Paul Davis apart from one mishit shot that the City 'keeper had to scramble to palm away from his line. After the goal City had the next chance, former U Billy Beechers forcing Clarke into a full-length save to push the ball away. The next opportunity fell to Jack Midson, whose header went narrowly over after he connected with a great cross from Mitchell Cole.

The second half was a disappointment for United, who didn't force Davis into a save of note. The home side were knocking the ball around better, taking advantage of an excellent playing surface, far better than has been the case before at Court Place Farm. Andy Ballard could have extended City's lead, but he blasted over when well placed, and Michael Lyon also went close. At the other end, Cole probably had Oxford's best effort, nipping in to steer the ball away from Davis, but his cross on the turn wasn't anticipated by any of his colleagues. The only United effort on target came shortly into the second period, when a random triallist whose parents apparently omitted to name shot tamely with his left foot straight at Davis. Other than that he failed to stamp his mark on the game and he could well disappear from United's history without even getting a namecheck.

Oxford will, of course, point out that results are less important than game time for the players and that no one can really take anything of note from these games. They will also, doubtless, point out that City won the corresponding game 2-1 last season and that barely hindered the club's promotion hopes. However, the point remains that this was a disappointing work out for those involved, admittedly mainly second-string players, who will be more concerned about the lack of goal threat. Midson in particular looked particularly despondent at the end, and his appearance for the full 90 minutes may hint that he is no longer considered an automatic first-team choice.