Oxford United 2 Cheltenham Town 1

By Jon Palmer

Cheltenham Town suffered their first friendly defeat of the

summer at Oxford United, going down to Jamie Guy’s first half

brace.

With neither Shane Duff (thigh) nor midfielder Scott Brown

(bruised leg) risked, Cheltenham’s squad looked woefully short

of strength in depth with the start of the new campaign fast

approaching.

It was a disappointing display from Keith Downing’s men and

the Robins boss has less than a week to bring in the

reinforcements that are so desperately needed before the new

League One season kicks off.

Cheltenham made a sluggish start against their Blue Square

Premier opponents, who threatened immediately.

Guy dribbled past several half-hearted challenges from

Robins defenders and only a last ditch intervention from

Michael Townsend prevented Oxford from taking the lead inside a

minute.

Former Bristol Rovers winger Lewis Haldane forced Shane

Higgs into action with an awkward shot that bounced just in

front of the goalkeeper after 10 minutes.

Trialist Richard Langley fired a shot over the bar as

Cheltenham gradually began to come to life in what is likely to

be the first team’s final warm-up match before next week’s

curtain raiser at Northampton Town.

Former QPR, Cardiff City and Luton Town midfielder Langley

showed some useful touches, but Cheltenham’s approach play

lacked imagination and they were made to look very predictable

in the final third.

One of their few chances arrived in the 22nd minute when

Alex Russell fed Andy Lindegaard on the left and his cross was

headed wide by Paul Connor, who should have scored.

Home skipper Adam Murray opened Cheltenham up in the 25th

minute, releasing Haldane and he shot straight at Higgs, who

parried and Haldane’s second attempt flew over.

But Oxford took a 39th minute lead when Murray set up Guy

who beat Higgs with a confident finish into the bottom left

corner.

Cheltenham levelled a minute before half-time when Russell’s

corner was met at the far post by Townsend, who nodded the ball

back into the danger area and Connor headed it over the line

from point blank range.

Oxford regained their one-goal advantage during first half

injury time when Guy picked up Haldane’s pass and all to easily

turned and slotted a shot underneath Higgs’ body from eight

yards out.

Home boss Darren Patterson made 10 changes at the break and

forward Michael Husbands, who was on trial with Cheltenham

earlier in the summer, was one of the players to join the

action.

It was Husbands’ striker partner Yemi Odubade who caused

Cheltenham the most problems, giving Andy Gallinagh some

uncomfortable moments with his pace and trickery.

Higgs gathered a Husbands shot with ease and Odubade fired

over the bar as Cheltenham continued to offer very little going

forward.

It was not until scholar Marley Watkins was sent onto the

right wing that some quality balls began to find their way into

the danger area, but fellow youth teamer Dean Maynard failed to

convert two decent chances.

Ian Sampson crashed a shot against a post in the final

seconds for Oxford, who deserved their victory.

OXFORD UNITED (first half): B Hinchcliffe; J Clarke, B

Quinn, L Foster, C Carruthers; L Reid, J Burnell, A Murray, L

Haldane; J Constable, J Guy.

(second half): J Cole; L Reid (I Sampson 76), M Day, C

Willmott, A Jeannin; D Andrade (R Groves 63), R Davies, E

Hutchinson, S Deering; Y Obubade, M Husbands.

CHELTENHAM TOWN: S Higgs; J Gill (C Armstrong 66), M

Townsend (A Wright 66), A Gallinagh, L Ridley; R Langley (J

Emery 86), B Gill, A Russell (D Bird 56), A Lindegaard (D

Maynard 75); P Connor (A Ledgister 75), A Vincent (M Watkins

75).  Subs not used: S P A Brown.

REFEREE: J Farries.

ATTENDANCE: 1,174 (139 from Cheltenham)