Report by Tom Thewlis

Oxford United’s unbeaten run in pre-season came to an end in frustrating style as they suffered a heavy defeat against fellow local side Oxford City. The match was won by the home side in a mad fifteen minute spell for the visitors in which City scored four times to end up running out 5-1 winners.

United took a mixture of youth and more senior pros along for the annual friendly which was watched by a good crowd. Young pros Max Crocombe, Tyrone Marsh, Callum O’Dowda, David Lynn, Matt Bevans and Kenzer Lee were handed starting roles, with senior squad members Michael Raynes, Scott Davies and James Constable along with new signings Asa Hall and Jon Meades making up the rest of the eleven.

The visitors took the lead early on when left winger Callum O’Dowda displayed exceptionally quick feet only to be scythed down by a rash challenge from a city defender. Asa Hall assumed responsibility and calmly slotted home the resulting penalty. This sparked a good spell for United who saw a scissors-kick from James Constable parried well by the City goalkeeper. There was no sign of what was to come, with the visitors looking threatening down both flanks with the energy and pace of wingers O’Dowda and Scott Davies, the former impressing greatly in his appearances this pre-season after signing his first professional contract.

United were forced into a very early replacement as young left back David Lynn was taken off as a precaution with a knock to his back, and trialist Josh Ruffels, formerly with Coventry City, came on to take his place. Not long after this, City drew level as Albi Skendi brought the ball inside Ruffels from the left and smashed the ball past the stranded Crocombe to equalise.

The visitors could have gone ahead once more, as Marsh and Davies missed chances, before former United youth team player Declan Benjamin put City ahead with a well taken goal. Not long after City had increased their lead as Benjamin turned provider to put a cross directly onto the boot of the impressive Skendi who was able to poke home his second of the night to give City a 3-1 lead.

Just before half time City wrapped the game up as another former United scholar midfielder, Tom Winters, was well positioned to smash home a well struck volley which gave Crocombe no chance and City were able to go in at half time knowing they had won the game.

United came out for the second half unchanged. This was a much quieter affair, as chances were few and far between, until Asa Hall crashed a volley high over the bar. Right back Matt Bevans saw a right footed effort go just over, before Scott Davies forced the home keeper into a save from a well struck, powerful free kick. The spell of United pressure was very brief, as City broke once again on the counter for Will Green to place a fifth City goal past Crocombe, completing a resounding win for the Blue Square North Conference side. United youngster Josh Shama came off the bench to make a short appearance before the referee concluded a disappointing night for the Yellows.