United’s final pre-season friendly ended all-square, with a morale-boosting 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. It wasn’t the result that was particularly wonderful, although not losing a game where a draw was deserved was nice, but rather the manner of the performance, coming on the back of the capitulation to Watford, which gives cause for a modicum of hope before the real action starts in earnest one week today. Bournemouth opened the scoring ten minutes into the second half, when Carl Fletcher latched onto a throw-in and neatly lobbed Chris Tardif. Ten minutes later United equalised from their first corner of the game. It was taken by Tom Winters, whose excellent delivery was flicked on by Leo Roget and Tommy Mooney powered the ball home with a point-blank header. Nine minutes later the Cherries regained the lead when James Hayter finished off a sweeping move, but Oxford got the draw they deserved with a second equaliser five minutes from time. Winters was fouled about 25 yards out, and after a false start Mooney drove in a left-footed shot that smashed the inside of the post and over the line, giving Gareth Stewart no chance.

Tardif again played the full match, shoring up his position as Graham Rix’s first choice ‘keeper. Dave Mackay and Matt Robinson were the full backs, and Leo Roget played in defence. Lee Molyneaux started the game as Jon Ashton, who was due to commence his first game of pre-season, got caught in traffic and missed the kick-off. Molyneaux’s performance was excellent, and certainly lays aside the concern about lack of cover in that position. Ashton took over after half-time, and linked up well with his colleagues. ROS Chris Hackett began on the right wing, with Paul Wanless and Rob Wolleaston in central midfield and Terry Parker continuing where he left off against Watford with a good left-wing performance. Wolleaston took a knock ten minutes before the break and was replaced by Mark E’Beyer, who looked convincing in the middle. Parker went off at half-time to be replaced by Winters, and Chrissy was swapped for Steve Basham eight minutes after the break. E’Beyer himself went off for Julian Alsop just after United’s second equaliser. Mooney looked lively all game, and Lee Bradbury, wearing the captain’s armband, which has been confirmed as his role this season, linked up well with him.

Dermot Gallagher was, once again, the referee, although he didn’t really have that much to do. The attendance of just 1,413 reflects the fact that United have had four home games this pre-season, with most supporters preferring to save their money for the more meaningful action. Perhaps in future this lesson will be learned and the club will only charge half-price for these sorts of fixtures.

Slightly later than we’d have liked, but still before anyone else, we can also bring you news of United’s ‘missing’ friendly, against Chipping Norton Town two weeks ago. While the first team were busy entertaining Chelsea, the reserves took on Chippy and beat them 2-1. Winters opened the scoring after 35 minutes, and third-year scholar Chris Roberts doubled the lead in the 72 minute. Mark Dennis pulled a consolation goal back for Chippy in injury time.

In other news, it has been revealed that all United’s directors with the exceptions of Firoz Kassam and Ashwini Tawackley, have left the club. Fenton Higgins, who was the “football man” on the board, Lord Faulkner, and Brendan Cross all stood down after it was revealed that Kassam was expecting them, and several other potential directors, to invest ?25,000 each into the club in exchange for more of a say in how it’s run. With Kassam’s dominance in club affairs, there probably won’t be a hugely noticeable effect as a result, but it does again call into question the sustainability of United should Kassam decide to leave.