Oxford United could have a very strong left side this season, if the evidence of their 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth is anything to go by.

o French left back Alex Jeannin and midfielder Phil Trainer, snapped up from Moor Green, were both highly impressive in the Friday night friendly, United's first at home as they build towards the start of their 2007-8 campaign.

Trainer scored an excellent opening goal, while Jeannin, who sent over some pinpoint inswinging corners, laid on a classy return pass for Yemi Odubade to hit the winner early in the second half.

"I've been very pleased with Jeannin," said United manager Jim Smith.

"He's a super lad, you can tell he's a good player and a serious professional and I'm delighted to see him. He's got a great left foot and he'll be a big player for us.

"I like Jeannin, and with Phil, and Andy Burgess to come in, it's going to be a strong left side."

Trainer was delighted with his 25-yard strike, which he drilled into the net at the car park end of the Kassam Stadium.

"It's a great start for me and nice to score a goal," he said.

"It was one of those where some fly in and some go in the car park. I just hit it really and hoped.

"Scoring a goal does help to get the fans on your side and I couldn't have asked for more than to score a goal on my home debut."

Smith was pleased for Trainer, but warned that supporters shouldn't get too carried away with the result because pre-season games are notorious for providing a false indication of a team's prospects.

"Phil's come out of part-time football and is training very hard, but he's found it hard," Smith said.

"We weren't going to play him because we thought he looked a bit tired, but that would have been a great game for his confidence.

"All our games are about match fitness and looking at a bit of shape.

"You always want to win, but, as I've said before, I've lost all pre-season games and won the league, and I've won all pre-seasons and got relegated . . . so you can't take too much notice of it."

Smith was also impressed with Joel Ledgister, when he came on up front and showed his pace, and with Matt Day's display at centre back.