George Dugdale

Oxford United kicked off pre-season in style with victory over a strong West Ham United side thanks to a wonderful strike from Deane Smalley.

As United fielded two different sides in each half, this match report will take on a slightly unfamiliar appearance.

First Half

Clarke, Batt, Wright, Evans, McGinty, McAllister, Heslop, Chapman, Pittman, Smalley, Potter

United started the first half brightly as Alfie Potter wasted no time in reminding fans what had been missing in the tail end of last season. The attacker was a constant threat to the Hammers' defence with his intelligent movement and linked well with Deane Smalley and Jon-Paul Pittman in attack. It was Pittman, however, who had the first clear chance on goal. A long clearance from a West Ham corner allowed the former Crawley striker to sprint clear of the last defender before firing high over the bar.

Moments later the 'friendly' nature of the game was rapidly called into question with two flashpoints in a matter of seconds. Firstly, Alfie Potter raced into a strong challenge having lost possession. Although he appeared to get a foot on the ball, West Ham took exception to the challenge. Mark Noble opted to take on Jake Wright, Adam Chapman, Potter, the referee and anybody else who would listen and after a quick chat, the Oxford winger was sent on his way with a warning. As soon as the ball was moving again, however, a clearly angry Noble clattered into a challenge to spark an early pre-season handbag exchange near the halfway line.

Once the football resumed, West Ham threatened on a number of occasions down United's left as loanee Sean McGinty was given a tough first examination by the Londoners' attack.

Despite lengthy spells of West Ham possession, it was at the other end of the field where the first goal was scored. McGinty, showing he is more effective in the opposition half, whipped a cross into the penalty area. When trialist Sean McAllister was buffeted, the ball fell to Smalley at a tight angle. At the ball bounced a foot or two above the turf, the striker hammered the half volley into the top corner. Smalley had a difficult first season at Oxford, but an early confidence boost will do him no harm whatsoever.

Although Ricardo Vaz Te scuffed wide late in the half, Oxford were good value for their lead at the break.

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