Last night's 1-1 draw at Edgar Street was a tame affair, with non-leaguers Hereford United taking the game to United in the early stages.

Joey Beauchamp looked extremely lively on his return to the side, breaking through after just 11 seconds to force a corner, but after that, the half went downhill for Smith's men.

Manny Omoyinmi should have done better when latching on to a mistake by John Snape but fired a poor effort straight at keeper Scott Cooksey.

After the break, Oxford stepped up a gear and began to show their superiority, although without producing clear-cut chances.

The deadlock was eventually broken by the outstanding Ian McGuckin in the 76th minute when he powerfully headed home Beauchamp's corner.

The former Fulham defender, looking composed and solid in defence, then nearly doubled United's lead when another header minutes later was cleared off the line.

But when Davis was penalised for a foul on Rob Elmes on the edge of the box with nine minutes to go, Hereford took full advantage.

A neat free kick saw Michael McIndoe tap the ball to Rodgerson, who looked like lining up Chris Lane for the shot. Instead, Rodgerson spun to the right and hit a powerful effort past Glass.

Smith admits there is still improvement needed before the start of the season.

"There's obviously a lot more work to be done, and don't forget that I had three new players playing tonight, Glass, Davis and Beauchamp, and they have to be blended in. There are still a few players who are not doing things I want them to and I had some sharp words with them at half-time and they did it better in the second half. I want to make sure everybody knows what their job is."

Teams

Hereford Utd: Cooksey (Barnard 73), Clarke (Shirley 73), Sturgess (Gardiner h/t), Robinson, Wright (Lane 63), James, Rodgerson, Snape, Thomas, Hanson (Elmes 63), Williams (McIndoe 63). Subs not used: Beale, Pitt.

Oxford Utd: Glass, Robertson, Powell, Whitehead (Jarman 63), Davis, McGuckin, Lilley, Tait (Folland 77), Weatherstone (Anthrobus 63), Omoyinmi (Cook 77), Beauchamp (McGowan 85). Sub not used: Knight.

Referee: M Forder (Hereford).

Attendance: 864.