KEMAR Roofe said he was still feeling the confidence generated from last season’s strong finish after beginning pre-season with a double against Didcot Town, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

The forward’s brace in the first half was matched by Danny Hylton after the break, before Josh Ashby wrapped up a 5-0 win at the Draycott Engineering Loop Meadow Stadium.

Roofe, who scored six goals in seven games last season, felt he picked up where he left off.

“I do, plus it’s the squad and the fans at Oxford, everything is just positive and happy,” he said.

“I felt settled when I was on loan last season as well, it’s perfect.

“The main focus is fitness, but it’s great to get used to scoring again and getting in good habits.”

U’s boss Michael Appleton was cautious not to read too much into the result, but was pleased to get all his outfield players some game time.

He said: “You just want to go through your first couple of games in pre-season injury-free and everyone gets their fitness and sharpness.

“If you score a few goals, great, if you keep a clean sheet, fantastic and we’ve done that so you can’t ask any more.

“I’ve got an idea on the majority of the starting XI, but there are still questions that need to be answered and a few players didn’t do themselves any harm.”

Didcot joint manager Ian Concannon was pleased by the boost the game, watched by 940, gave the Railwaymen, on and off the pitch.

He said: “It’s great for the players to play in and it’s good for the club as well, with the people that have come through the gate and having a drink in the bar.

“Our club, like many in non-league, are reliant on their local professional team coming down and getting people through the gate.”