11:50pm Friday 30th July 2010
By Nick Farrant
Oxford United went down to their second successive friendly defeat following a disappointing display at Court Place Farm last night.
It followed the U's 2-1 defeat against Manchester United on Tuesday, though the performance could not have been more different.
But it was great night for City in their build-up to their Zamaretto Southern League campaign.
If the U’s fans were hoping to get any clues for next Saturday's League Two opener at Burton, they were to be sadly disappointed as Chris Wilder's side fielded a much changed line-up, with Jack Midson and Aaron Woodley upfront in 4-4-2 formation.
New signing Ben Purkiss was not risked as he had just recovered from a groin injury, while James Constable and Matt Green were left out.
Although they started well with Midson and Woodley going close, they failed to find a cutting edge in a fragmented first half.
City looked useful on the break. And they took the lead on 25 minutes, though there was an element of good fortune about the score..
Centre back Leigh Franks managed to block a terrific shot from Elliott Sandy only for it to loop over the helpless Ryan Clarke in the United goal.
It was unlucky on Franks who has impressed since signing on loan from Huddersfield last week.
City almost got a second a few minutes later, but Sandy was denied by the offside flag as he pulled the trigger.
United were struggling to create chances while Clarke did well to block a shot from ex-U's youngster Billy Beechers.
But Chris Wilder's side should have levelled seconds later when a great cross from Mitchell Cole found Woodley, but he was unable to get enough on his header.
United did some decent approach work, but City defended well with James Clarke looking goodaagainst his old club.
After the break, Midson had a shot blocked, before a great break from Mark Janes was cleared by the U’s defence before Michael Lyon could get on the end of it. United sub Harry Worley looked very solid at the heart of the defence. He made a great clearance after Janes had lifted the ball over substitute keeper Simon Eastwood.
City’s Andy Ballard fizzed a shot over the bar, though it was offside anyway, before Olly Burgess headed just over before the same player saw his drive go inches wide.
Burgess was set up by Janes, but his shot went wide.
At the other end, Sam Deering whipped in cross across the penalty area, but no one got on the end of it.
Lyon let loose with a super shot wide of the post after being set up by Janes.
City held out as U’s pressed for a share of the spoils.
So it will have been City boss Mike Ford who would have been the happier of the two managers.
Oxford City: Davis, J Knight, Ballard, Savage, Clarke, Mcillwain, Burgess, Malone, Janes (Brownhills 76), Sandy (Barcelos 70), Beechers (Lyon 45). Subs: Meade, Brownhill, Lyon. Oxford Utd: Clarke (Eastwood 45), Parish, Kinniburgh, Deering, Franks, Creighton (Worley 45), A Triallist, Midson, Woodley, Cole, Potter. Subs: Connor, Mc-Donagh, Hinchcliffe, Morris. Referee: S Maynard (Reading) Attendance: 1,010.
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