Reserves run out

United's second string lost 3-1 at home to Luton this afternoon despite, or perhaps because of, the presence of three triallists and one non-contract signing. United's goal was scored, once again, by Norman Sylla, this time from the penalty spot to show a previously unseen facet of his game. The penalty came after a strong run from the non-contract player, Jefferson Louis, who once again impressed Mike Ford.

The three triallists were QPR's Christer Warren, making his second appearance for the reserves at left back, centre back Christian Hanson formerly of Middlesbrough, and right back Scott Gooding, currently on Crystal Palace's books. Apparently they all performed adequately well, if not outstandingly so. Better news was that Joey Beauchamp, Jamie Brooks, Darren Patterson and ROS Rob Folland all played for the full 90 minutes without apparent ill-effect. Unfortunately for Oxford Ian McCaldon's return from injury was marred by him having to go off at half time with a recurrence of his thigh strain. He was replaced in goal by centre half Rob Lovegrove.

But the best news of all is that Wayne Hatswell is set to join Mark Wright, Ted McMinn and Phil Bolland up at Chester, possibly even for a small fee. There won't be many United fans who will mourn Hatswell's departure, despite the fact that he has improved enormously since his arrival from Forest Green Rovers. He is still quite clearly not up to the required standard and a move to Chester could be the best outcome for all concerned.