United take City apart

Oxford City 0 Oxford United 5

That special derby atmosphere, the tension, the passion, the drama; all were absent in droves at Court Place Farm this afternoon as United continued their pre-season programme against their nearest rivals. The U's overwhelmed City without really stepping out of second gear with two goals from Andy Scott, plus others from Scott Guyett, Jamie Brooks and Jon Richardson.

Again United featured a number of triallists including the two goalkeepers Ian McCaldon, who played for the first half, and Nathan Abbey who kept goal for the second. As at Didcot it was difficult to assess either player as neither, and especially Abbey, had much to do.

Also playing were Gareth Hall again, who looks Molbyesque in both physique and style, and John Dreyer who played for most of the second half and again looked outstanding. There was no sign of Thursday's left back Simon Betts, nor of the rumoured appearance of Dean Saunders who Ted McMinn, after the game, confirmed would not be coming to United. The alleged showing of Dave Beasant also failed to materialise.

Despite the five goals Oxford United still seem to be lacking a midfield playmaker and an instinctive goalscorer. McMinn promised that more players would be signed (indeed, Mark Wright failed to attend because he was running the rule over someone) and news can be expected soon.

One player who won't be returning to the Manor is unpopular loan goalkeeper Neil Cutler, who has signed for Stoke City.