Oxford Utd 3,Panionios 1 OXFORD United completed their pre-season build-up by lifting the Oxfordshire 'Bill Halsey' Memorial Cup with an unspectacular win over Greek Cup winners Panionios last night, writes RUSSELL SMITH

And although the opposition may not have been too testing, it means United have finished unbeaten from their series of warm-up games with three wins and two draws.

The merit of this United victory over Panionios is certainly all Greek to me.

However, it did allow four key players - giant striker Kevin Francis, and defenders Phil Gilchrist, Steve Davis and Simon Marsh - to get a much-needed run out under their belts after being sidelined.

Dean Windass, United's record £475,000 signing from Aberdeen, provided another plus as he showed flashes of the midfield creativity.

United suffered a jolt in the third minute when Panionios skipper Sapoutzis swung in a corner, and Ioannidis rose at the near post to head past Phil Whitehead.

However, Oxford were level again in the seventh minute when the Athens-based visitors failed to clear Joey Beauchamp's free-kick from the right and Nicky Banger blasted home from eight yards.

Beauchamp was again the provider as United took the lead in the 33rd minute when his low free-kick was deflected into the net for an own goal by Mitsiopoulos.

Gilchrist clinched victory with a free header from Windass's corner in the 68th minute.

Oxford Utd: Whitehead, Robinson, Marsh, Gray (Smith 81), Davis, Gilchrist, Banger, Windass (Hill 81), Francis (Weatherstone 87), Murphy (Thomson 66), Beauchamp (Cook 81). Subs not used: Whelan, Jackson, Wilsterman, Rose.

Referee: D Gallagher (Banbury). Attendance: 3,080. DON'T MISS YOUR FULL-COLOUR OXFORD UNITED TEAM PICTURE IN MONDAY'S

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