Oxford United boss Darren Patterson will not be offering deals to triallists Michael Gash and Reuben Reid.

Ex-Cambridge United striker Gash and former Wycombe frontman Reid, played for part of United's pre-season win at Oxford City.

However, Patterson said: "Michael did ever so well for Cambridge City, scoring 27 goals last season, but he did one training session for us and struggled physically.

"Reuben wasn't really what we were looking for."

Fellow triallists Gary Silk, Dean Oliver and Aaron Plummer have also left the club.

Meanwhile, Patterson will step up his bid to strengthen the U's squad.

It follows the news that midfielder Phil Trainer will be out for three months with a broken foot.

Keeper Billy Turley has already been ruled out of first few games of their Blue Square campaign as he recovers from a shoulder operation.

"On Saturday, we will step up the quality of opposition in Maidenhead (Blue Square South side)," said Patterson.

"We will put out a strong side with a couple of triallists," said Patterson.

"We need to strengthen, particularly with a couple out," he said.

"Although Phil is out for three months, he will still have six months to play a part."

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