Pre-season has begun for Oxford United. After a week’s training in Bournemouth, the U’s kicked off their pre-season friendlies with games against local sides North Leigh and Oxford City. While the League One side saw off both of their opponents, manager Karl Robinson aired his thoughts after the win over City, mainly about the lack of incoming transfer during this window.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Pre-Season Friendlies and Karl Robinson Comments
Young U’s Side Win at North Leigh
Oxford United began their pre-season friendlies with a 3-1 win over North Leigh, in memory of U’s fan Lloyd Calcutt.
The visitors raced into an early lead through Enrique Tiamuna before Adam Smith doubled the young U’s lead.
The hosts reduced the deficit after the break with a penalty but Gatlin O’Donkor, Oxford’s youngest ever player, added a third late on.
Oxford City 2-3 Oxford United
After a week spent building up the players’ fitness in Bournemouth, the first-team squad kicked off their pre-season with a visit to Court Place Farm to face city rivals, Oxford City.
After a strong start, the U’s took the lead when Dan Agyei headed home Anthony Forde’s corner. At the other end, Jacob Bancroft hit the post with Simon Eastwood beaten.
United doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half through Matty Taylor but a late surge from the hosts brought the game level. First, Lewis Coyle beat substitute goalkeeper Kie Plumley with a fierce effort before the midfielder added a second two minutes from time.
But with seconds remaining, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin met Ryan Williams‘ cross to give the U’s the win over their city rivals.
Karl Robinson Gives His Views on the Club’s Current Transfer Situation
Following the U’s win over Oxford City, U’s boss Karl Robinson gave his thoughts on the current squad and the club’s transfer activity.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “We weren’t great tonight but I didn’t expect anything other than what I’ve seen.
“The players have been brilliant but we’re still miles away from being a good team.
“There’s a few things that have happened in the last 24 hours with things that will stay internal.
“It’ll be one of them stories that we’ll talk about in a couple of weeks when we’re allowed to talk about it.”
Speaking about his sides transfers, he added: “We know we need two left-backs, a left-sided centre half, two left-wingers – it’s clearly evident.
“If we want to compete in the league this year, this is not good enough where we’re sitting right now.
“I’m really pleased with where this group is at, but we’ve lost players so don’t expect this group to lose players and be better than last year when everybody else is improving.
“If we mean it, we go for it. I’m sorry if I’m bringing the level of excitement down, I’m not employed to accept ‘that’ll do’ – I’m employed to want more and be better.
“We want to be a team that’s rivalling the rest in this league, but right now this league is going insane.
“You can’t lose Rob Atkinson and Josh Ruffels and expect this team to go again – we’ve sold 11 and a half million in three years and reached the top six twice.”
Win at Salford City
On Saturday, the U’s took to the field again to take on Salford City. The hosts took a first-half lead before Mark Sykes was denied by the Ammies’ goalkeeper. The midfielder then won his side a penalty but Sam Winnall was denied from 12 yards.
But his strike partner Taylor came to the rescue after meeting Agyei’s cross to level the game before adding a second 13 minutes from time.
At the end of the game, a young U’s side played 45 minutes against Salford, with O’Donkor netting a hat-trick in a 4-1 win.
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