United played two friendlies over the past three games, with mixed results. Playing at Derby’s ?5m training facility Oxford lost 1-0 in a game of three 30 minute periods, the goal coming at the end of the first third. Ian Atkins ensured that everyone in the squad had a run out (with the exception of Steve Basham) and several fringe players had a full 90 minutes (including the ROS Chris Hackett).

Then earlier today, in another behind closed doors friendly of three periods, United played Hereford at the Kas. This time Oxford won 3-0 and Basham did play. In fact the Us’ leading scorer got two goals in two minutes, Lee Steele opening the scoring in the 21st minute. Steele also had a hand in both Basham’s goals, which came in the 45th and 47th minutes. Hackett earlier hit the post and both Basham and Dave Waterman came close to increasing the scoreline. At the other end Andy Woodman did well too.

In a surprise move Andy Scott had his first run out since breaking his leg at Boston in September, and with Steele, Mark Rawle and Richie Foran all doing well alongside Basham there would seem to be a plethora of riches in the striking department. Obviously it is too early for Scott to rejoin the first team squad, but both Steele and Rawle have a realistic shout of playing against Kidderminster on Saturday, providing the game goes ahead, bearing in mind the predicted cold snap.