Oxford United saw their final pre-season match end level as they were held at National League side, Solihull Moors.
Mitch Hancox opened the scoring for the hosts, but a terrific effort from Cameron Brannagan levelled the match before the break.
Both sides had chances to win the game late on, but neither side could find that elusive goal.
Your #oufc XI this afternoon: pic.twitter.com/IUdT9Xk8Pt
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) July 27, 2019
United’s starting line up will probably be the one that kicks off their League One opener next week at Sunderland.
Simon Eastwood started in goal, with Josh Ruffels and Chris Cadden as the full-backs. Skipper John Mousinho was partnered with Rob Dickie at the back, whilst Brannagan was alongside Alex Gorrin the centre of midfield.
Tariqe Fosu and Malachi Napa were on the wings, with James Henry in behind Jamie Mackie. Gavin Whyte, who looks set to leave the club to join Cardiff City, wasn’t on the bench.
Despite the U’s strong starting line up, it was the hosts that began brighter. Eastwood was on hand to deny Hancox in the second minute before Darren Carter saw a free-kick sail over.
But Karl Robinson’s side responded, both Mackie and Henry looked a threat. But, the National League side soon found the breakthrough. The U’s were unable to deal with a high ball into the box, and Hancox was on hand to tuck home Lee Vaughan’s miss-hit cross.
But the League One side were undeterred and continued to press. Napa forced the Moors goalkeeper into a save following some good build-up play from Henry and Gorrin.
But long balls we’re causing problems at the other end and the hosts began to squander opportunities in the U’s box.
United made them pay. Brannagan, who shortly before had a long-range effort tipped over, curled home a beauty from 20 yards to send Robinson’s side in at half time level.
Fosu, who was booked in the first half following a nasty tackle which led to a mass brawl, looked lively for Oxford and his skill on the wings caused problems.
At the end of one of his attacks, Cadden’s cross was connected by Mackie, but the former QPR man was denied before Ruffels missed an opportunity following good work again by the former Charlton winger.
Changes were made in the second half and Napa led the line, and within seconds, the 20-year-old crossed for Henry but last seasons top scorer wasted the opportunity.
The game began to drift out, but Moors still wasted two good chances before Fosu was denied by the host’s goalkeeper.
I don’t think Karl Robinson will be too disappointed with the performance against the physical opponents, he already has enough to worry about at the moment with off the field antics.
That said, the U’s aren’t heading into their League One opener in great form. They haven’t won in five games, and despite some positive performances from the youngsters, the squad certainly isn’t where he’d like it to be as he approaches the big kick-off.
