9:00am Saturday 31st July 2010
By Nick Farrant
Chris Wilder admitted his Oxford United players were beaten by the better side following last night’s 1-0 friendly defeat at neighbours Oxford City.
An own goal from Leigh Franks in a disappointing team display made it two friendly defeats in a row, following the midweek loss to Manchester United.
“It was a good, competitive game,” said Wilder, who refused to name the triallist who played for them in midfield against City.
“It was good for both sides, particularly for us in terms of players getting minutes under their belts.
“Every game we play is important to us.
“We are disappointed tonight. There have not been too many fantastic performances out there from us.
“But all credit to the opposition, they were better than us on the night.
“What I said in the dressing room is between me and the players, but it was constructive.
“There are some players that maybe need to up their game a bit more.”
He said the players still had a chance to force their way into his thoughts for this Saturday’s League Two opener away to Burton, in Monday’s final pre-season game at Banbury United.
“There’s always a chance they can do that. I have to choose the team from a squad of 20 good players.”
Meanwhile, Franks said the players were determined to put it right against Banbury.
“It’s difficult to know what to say about the game – we’re all disappointed.
“The own goal was just one of those things. I put in a good block and it went over the keeper’s head. There’s not a lot you can do about it.
“Now I’ve got to try to push myself to get in the squad for Burton.
City boss Mike Ford added: “I was very pleased with our performance, but we’ve still got two weeks of hard work before the season starts.”
He also had special words for goalkeeping coach Paul Davis who played in goal after No 1 Richard Knight got stuck in traffic.
“He did very well considering he wasn’t even registered to play. To be fair to him he didn’t really have too much to do.”
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