Studlied

An inexperience United side, comprising mainly youth teamers, reserves and triallists (and Mike Ford), lost 2-0 at Studley today, the goals coming after 20 minutes and 70 minutes, roughly. Oxford had under-19 'keeper Danny Cox in goal for the whole game, with Rob Cruse and Simon King in the full back positions and Sam Okikiolu and Darren Patterson in the centre. Patterson was yesterday alleged to be about to be offered a new contract by United, but that was in the Sun.

The midfield began with Sam Ricketts, Paul Powell, Safi and ROS Chris Hackett whilst Jefferson Louis and Norman Sylla started up front. There weren't many substitutions, Matthew Brandish replaced Safi, Ford (Mike, not Bobby) came on for Powell at half time, Dwight Campioli took Louis' place early on and Josias Carbon was given a run out at Sylla's expense. Despite the youthfulness of the team (Fordy excepted), five of those on show actually featured against Darlington in the final match of last season.