Oxford United mascot Olly the Ox had a face-off with an unexpected visitor at the U’s match against Cheltenham.

Joining him on the pitch – and challenging Olly to a kick-around — was the Goose from pantomime Mother Goose, performed at Oxford Playhouse this Christmas.

The Goose, played by Will Hawksworth, formed part of the Guard of Honour, as well as entertaining the crowds before Saturday's game. Mr Hawksworth is pictured with the match mascots, Morgan Smith, seven, and Harrison Deeley, seven, and Olly.

However, the magical goose did not tip the U’s’ fortunes in their favour, with the side losing their fifth successive match in a 3-1 home defeat.

Mr Hawksworth said: “It was great to be at the game promoting Mother Goose – what an amazing atmosphere in the stadium!

“It was a shame Oxford lost, but we still had a great day meeting the fans and talking about the show.”

Mother Goose starts at the Playhouse, in Beaumont Street, on Friday and runs until mid-January.

It is the sixth pantomime written and directed for the Playhouse by panto legend, Peter Duncan.