A Zac McEachran stunner after five minutes and an equally impressive strike from Latrell Humphrey-Ewers got the goals for City against a sharp Oxford United outfit.

Ross Jenkins fielded two entirely different squad selections either side of halftime in the annual pre-season battle. Once again, this fixture saw a number of City U23’s given the opportunity to impress ahead of the 2022/23 National League South season.

The Hoops started the game on the front foot as a familiar face in Zac McEachran broke the deadlock with only six minutes on the clock. The midfielder collected the ball from 25-yards out and powered a shot into the corner of the net before U's goalkeeper Simon Eastwood could move.

However, the EFL side were gifted a way back into the game after Cameron Brannagan latched onto a loose ball. Ben Dudzinski cleared the ball from the edge of his box, only for the clearance to land at the feet of Branagan, whose expertly planted the ball into an empty net from distance.

Five minutes later, the U’s took the lead as James Henry latched onto Sam Long’s cross from the right and dispatched a venomous header into the roof of City’s goal, giving Dudzinski no chance.

Karl Robinson’s men grew into the half and scored two quickfire goals to put City on the backfoot. Branagan grabbed his second of the game after guiding a shot into the net with a first-time volley into the bottom right corner and Sam Long added a fourth when he pounced on the ball after a goalmouth scramble to toe poke an effort into the net.

Half-time: Oxford City 1 – 4 Oxford United

Both sides made wholesale changes to their squads as they returned after the interval. Hoops fans also got the chance to see new signing Andre Burley in action for the first time.

City mimicked their first-half start as they pulled a goal back within five minutes of the re-start. Latrell Ewers-Humphrey, who has impressed for the City's U23's, was involved in some intricate play across the edge of the visitor’s penalty area before producing a composed curling finish from the edge of the box into the net.

Despite being behind, Joe Iaciofano was keeping United on their toes. A mistake from the U’s defence was retrieved by City and Iaciofano rifled an effort from the edge of the box which shattered the post and out of play.

The Hoops strong forward play was matched by a great defensive effort from the new back three. Billy Bodin was played through on goal until Charlie Rowan’s pressure forced the forward to slice his half volley wide of the mark.

Despite a revived second half display, United hit back with a fifth goal and settled the tie on the hour mark. Marcus Browne’s quick feet, inside City’s area, created a slither of space to fire a low shot into the far bottom corner.

The remaining half hour was closely fought in all areas of the pitch as both sides managed to stop any clear cut chances from their opposition.

Jenkins’ side can find solace in the harsh score line in seeing the return of Joe Iaciofano, Zac McEachran and Reece Fleet to the Velocity Stadium, as well as strong displays from a number of U23 players pushing through the ranks against a very promising United side.

City’s pre-season campaign continues with a trip to Southern League Premier Division Central Side Stratford Town on the 16^th July as the Hoops make preparations for another campaign in the National League South.

Full Time: Oxford City 2 – 5 Oxford United

First Half XI: Dudzinski, Trialist, Trialist, Ashby, Trialist, McEachran, Nenonen-Millar, Canice Carroll, Trialist, D.Stokoe, Muchechetere

Second Half XI: Grantham, Burley, Rowan, Fleet, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Iaciofano, L.Stokoe, Trialist, Ewers-Humphrey 



We'd like to wish our neighbours a very successful season in League One and thank all the Yellows' Staff, players and supporters for returning to Oxford City for pre-season.