Milton United beat Oxford United reserves 2-1 at Milton Heights this evening, in a game that rarely allowed the spectators to forget the freezing conditions. United fielded Matt Day, Carl Pettefer, Joel Ledgister, and Yemi Odubade from the first-team regulars, with the remainder of the side made up of youth-team players and a couple of triallists.

The first half was a cagey affair, with neither side dominating, although Oxford were, unsurprisingly, playing the better football, with Sam Warrell rarely troubled in the United goal. Triallist Andy Caton, son of former United defender Tommy, started on the left wing, and had a few neat touches, but was replaced after half an hour following a poor challenge on him as he was bursting clear. Fellow triallist Craig Reid from Cheltenham Town played up front, but failed to make much of an impression.

The second half was an altogether livelier affair, although the 87 spectators present had to wait until the 70th minute before the deadlock was broken by the home side. United fought back strongly, but found it difficult to break down the Milton defence. United twice hit the Milton bar, and Yemi should have done a lot better than poke the ball wide after some superb wing play by Matty Taylor set him up. Eventually Alex Fisher embarked on a solo run from midway in the Milton half, and concluded by swinging the ball past Craig Griffiths. However, in the final minute the Milton forwards reacted quickest to knock the ball home after Warrell had pulled off an excellent save. Both Milton goals were awarded by the Assistant Referee, as the ball was cleared before hitting the net.

United can have no real complaints about the result, as Milton battled hard and Oxford too often conceded possession with poor passing. Neither triallist looked like they would add much to the current squad, and with the transfer window closing tomorrow, Darren Patterson must now be looking elsewhere to bring players in, having cancelled Michael Corcoran's contract this afternoon in order to free up more cash for wages. Stars of the show for United were Taylor, Declan Benjamin, and Sam Deering.