Oxford United began their tour of America with a 1-1 draw against Seacoast United Phantoms at the Bill Ball Stadium in New Hampshire last night.

Alfie Potter put Chris Wilder's side ahead in the fourth minute, but a 20th-minute penalty, awarded after new signing Tony Capaldi tripped Steven Palumbo in the area, saw Palumbo slot the spot-kick past triallist keeper Konopka.

And although they had chances to win the game, the U's, who wore black armbands as a tribute to former kitman Ken Ridley who died 24 hours earlier, were forced to settle for a draw.

Watched by around 1,000 American fans and a scattering of U's supporters who had made the long trip, Potter latched onto a Simon Heslop pass to slot home the opener.

United, who were missing Peter Leven, Deane Smalley, Ryan James, Paul McLaren and Tom Craddock through injury, went close when Jon-Paul Pittman shot narrowly wide and James Constable was denied by home keeper John Dawson.

Pittman then headed wide when he should have scored and after the break the former Wycombe man went even closer when a flicked effort hit the bar.

Potter was booked for a late tackle, and although Wilder sent Harry Worley on with seven minutes to go to try and find a winner, United could not find a breakthrough.

Oxford Utd: Konopka, Whing (Batt 54), Duberry, Wright (capt), Capaldi, Payne, Heslop, Hall, Pittman, Potter (Worley 83), Constable.