Oxford United’s second pre-season friendly featured an eight goal thriller at Court Place Farm, with the U’s eventually coming out on top.
Goals from Stefan Brown and Jack Self put the hosts ahead, before James Henry netted before the break to reduce the defecit.
But City regained their two goal advantage after Danny Rowe’s quality finish, but goals from Tariqe Fosu, Gavin Whyte, Kyran Lofthouse and Malachi Napa sealed the win for Karl Robinson’s side.
#oufc at City tonight. pic.twitter.com/kQtjBSg1cA
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) July 9, 2019
Following the U’s 5-0 defeat at Rangers on Sunday, their was certainly much to improve on. But Robinson fielded a lesser side which included Jack Stevens in goal, a first start for Kevin Berkoe at left back, Aaron McCready, Fabio Lopes and Owen James, while Napa started up front.
And the inexperienced side soon found themselves behind when former U’s midfielder Josh Ashby assisted debutant Brown who headed home.
Robinson’s side started to control the match, but it wasn’t until six minutes before the break where James’s effort was saved by Steven Caro.
The hosts then doubled their lead after Self leapt high to head past Stevens, but last seasons top scorer reduced the defecit when Henry fired home from ten yards.
As usual with pre-season, half time allowed numerous changes. One of which for Robinson was former Walsall defender, Jon Guthrie, who was appearing on trial for the yellows following his release from the relegated club.
Despite the addition of a League One defender, it was City that restored the two goal advantage after Rowe curled home a stunner from 20 yards.
The U’s looked rattled, but they found a resurgence that was desperately needed.
Fosu won a free kick, in which he netted his first goal for the club from, before Whyte converted a penalty to level the match.
Napa then had a shot blocked before Lofthouse tucked home the rebound, but the winger eventually got himself on the scoresheet with a powerful effort.
Like the Rangers game, its important to note that pre-season isn’t about results. That said, defensively yet again, this time against lesser opposition, the U’s looked poor. Guthrie will have the chance to impress tonight at Thame United, whilst the U’s are also linked with Kilmarnock defender, Stuart Findlay.
And despite scoring four goals, a striker is certainly still needed. As mentioned, Jamie Mackie is the U’s only natural striker and at 33-years-old, he won’t feature all campaign. That said, Robinson has mentioned that he is looking at two striker’s at the moment.
