Following Oxford United’s 5-0 hammering at Rangers, the U’s have bounced back in their local pre-season friendlies, winning all three games.
Karl Robinson’s side have faced Oxford City, Thame United and Brackley Town, winning all three and scoring goals on the way.
Oxford United Going Well in Pre-Season
Oxford City 3-5 Oxford United
Pre-season isn’t necessarily about results, but performances and building fitness are crucial.
The U’s were at city rivals, Oxford City, on Tuesday night, eventually coming out victorious in an eight-goal thriller at Court Place Farm.
Robinson fielded an inexperienced side and it showed as the U’s found themselves two goals down but James Henry reduced the deficit before the break.
The second half was a different story. Despite City regaining their two goal advantage, goals from Tariqe Fosu, Gavin Whyte, Kyran Lofthouse and Malachi Napa sealed the win for Robinson’s side.
Thame United 0-2 Oxford United
The following evening, Oxford travelled to Thame. Again, Robinson’s side was relatively inexperienced but did feature two trialists.
Defender Jon Guthrie, released from Walsall following the club’s relegation to League Two, and Motherwell winger Elliott Frear were looking to impress.
Guthrie came on as a second-half substitute at the City game, and his first-half appearance showed solidarity at the back. Meanwhile, left-winger Frear was also making an impact and had a goal ruled out for offside at Thame.
Whyte, who scored a penalty in the win at City, netted again from twelve yards before Rob Hall netted a cheeky effort following good work from Cameron Brannagan.
Brackley Town 1-2 Oxford United
The U’s third pre-season match in as many days ended the same as the previous two, with a win.
This was a tighter affair, despite taking a two-goal lead. Robinson fielded a stronger side against the National League North outfit, and first-half goals from Fabio Lopes and James Henry put the visitors in control.
Despite playing a relatively strong side, a Nico Jones own goal gifted the Saints a chance to get back into the game.
What Can We Take From These Three Games?
Results in pre-season aren’t important, but following the defeat at Rangers, the U’s will be boosted by these results. However, there may be some cause for concern with the performances.
In the three games, there is much evidence that the squad lacks depth. Also, Jamie Mackie is the club’s only natural striker, but he missed all three games through injury.
There are also concerns at centre back following Curtis Nelson’s departure to Cardiff City. Trialist Guthrie could fill the void given his League One experience, and the U’s have also been linked with Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay.
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