Oxford United made it two wins in 24 hours as a brace from Dan Agyei and strikes from Derick Osei Yaw, Dylan Asonganyi and Josh Ruffels eased them to a 5-0 win over Banbury United this afternoon.
United were given an early warning when Banbury, managed by former United favourites Andy Whing and James Constable, hit the post from the first meaningful effort of the game but recovered quickly and were ahead after five minutes when Agyei powered in a shot from 12 yards out which perhaps took a touch via Liam Kelly to wrong-foot Puritans keeper Kie Plumley- United’s under 18 keeper standing in for the visitors.
Osei Yaw, a scorer on his debut against Woking the day before, dragged an early effort wide and forced a good save from Plumley half way through the first half as United dominated possession with midfield duo Liam Kelly and Mark Sykes pulling the strings and Rob Hall causing problems with his clever movement in a number 10 role.
The second goal came after 27 minutes when Sean Clare again demonstratated his willingnness to get forward with an inviting cross which Asonganyi guided home for his first goal for the club.
Banbury battled hard in the face of a gale and former United man Giorgio Rasulo went close before Osei Yaw scored his second goal in 24 hours with a close range effort that made it 3-0. The one down side of an impressive first half was Sykes limping off five minutes before the break after taking a blow to the foot and being replaced by Marcus McGuane as a precaution
After giving everyone 45 minutes the night before this time the change came just before the hour and immediately after Agyei had made it 4-0 from the spot with his second of the afternoon after Kyran Lofthouse had been brought down after charging forward from left back.
Malachi Napa had the ball in the net but was ruled offside but United had been full value for their win despite Banbury digging deep and giving their new management team plenty of hope for the new season- we wish them well.
Ruffels had the final say, as he did the day before, with a rasping left-footed drive to complete the scoring with time running out and cap another good work out.
Another five goals and another chance for the new faces to start to blend in with the squad. What's not to like?
United
Stevens (Eastwood 57), Clare (Long 57), Dickie (Moore 57), Mousinho (Atkinson 57, Lofthouse (Ruffels 57), Agyei (Taylor 57), Kelly (Gorrin 46, Napa 70)) , Sykes (McGuane 40), Asonganyi (Brannagan), Hall ( Cooper 57), Osei Yaw (Taylor 57)
Report by Chris Williams pictures by Darrel Fisher and Steve Daniels
Banbury Gallery
