In a highly entertaining game at Court Place Farm this evening (remember entertainment as part of the football experience?) Oxford’s reserves beat their Atkins’ counterparts 5-3. United were 3-0 up at half time, thanks to two goals in the opening five minutes, with goals from Julian Alsop, a Barry Quinn penalty, and one from triallist Danny Morgan, from Franchise FC.

In the second half Morgan added two more goals to complete his hat-trick, but the Gas, without Atkins in attendance, scored three times, including two penalties for fouls by Josias Carbon and then Adam Garner. Quinn was replaced by Michael Alexis midway through the second half, presumably with next Saturday’s trip to Macclesfield in mind.

Along with Morgan, United had two other triallists looking to get away from Milton Keynes, in Ryan Mouter and Mark E’Beyer (allegedly his real name), all of whom impressed to a lesser or greater extent. United’s goalie was Bradie Clarke, latterly from the Reading youth academy. He also played passably well.

Two other items of note: on Thursday, as well as being the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final between Oxford and Banbury at the KasStad, it’s also United’s club shop sale. The following day a fans’ forum has been organised by OxVox at the Exhibition Bar, with Graham Rix, Firoz Kassam, and Mick Brown all due to be in attendance. This will be an open meeting, so no membership of OxVox is required for entry (although it is obviously advisable).