Oxford United’s play-off preparations up went up a notch today with a behind closed doors friendly away at Reading.
In a very well contested game at The Royals’ excellent new training ground it was Ben Woodburn who gave the U’s the lead with a calmly taken volley in the third of three 30 minute periods but that was cancelled out when Charlie Adam nodded home a Gareth McCleary cross to level things five minutes later and a late lob from Danny Loader gave Reading a 2-1 win.
The U’s were earlier indebted to keeper Simon Eastwood for three trademark excellent saves while the game was 0-0 as well as a penalty save to keep out Sam Baldock’s spot kick but United had chances of their own with Marcus Browne going close and Dan Agyei almost levelling things with a powerful run towards the end of the game.
Karl Robinson told us
“It was another important step for us. Everyone got minutes and it was a proper competitive game- exactly what we need right now. It was hard work, Reading are a couple of weeks ahead of us in terms of fitness but we knew that and I’d say we got plenty out of the game both in terms of fitness and sharpness.
"It was great to see Woody get the goal as well. He has worked very hard to get fit again and over all we have to be pleased with the workout if not the final result."