United's fine pre-season continued last night, as the first team beat a Birmingham City second XI 1-0 at Grenoble Road. The Blues side included Maik Taylor and new signing Franck Queudrue, as well as Raidhi Jaidi and Rowan Vine. United's goal was scored by Eddie Hutchinson, who headed home from an Alex Jeannin corner after 63 minutes. Billy Turley was the busiest of the two goalkeepers, saving well from Queudrue in the first half. Earlier in the week, a United youth side drew 1-1 with Abingdon United; Oxford's goal was scored by Alex Fisher.

In other news, United used some of the money freed up by Andy Burgess's departure to sign Michael Standing, as was widely expected. More surprisingly, they also signed Arthur Gnohere in a move that must cast a question mark over Phil Gilchrist's immediate future. Standing has joined on a non-contract basis, whatever that means in prqctice, while Gnohere arrives with a month-by-month contract, presumably as a stop-gap measure while gilly's fitness is assessed.

On a more sombre note, United's groundsman David Wedge died suddenly this week, aged just 45. The cause of death is currently unknown. United have also had yet another fixture rearranged; the away game at Grays Athletic has been brought forward a week to Tuesday 11 September, in order to relieve a later fixture pile-up as a result of the Setanta deal. United have also announced that they are holding another fans' forum, on Thursday 23 August.

That's about it for now. We hope to be able to bring you another update on Friday, with a preview of the Forest Green Rovers game, although we're making no promises.