SIMON Weatherstone proved that lightning can strike twice as Oxford United beat a skilful Arsenal side 3-1 in the Avon Insurance Combination at The Manor Ground last night.

It was only the leaders' second defeat of the season and Weather-stone, who scored four of United's five goals against Gunners last season, was again the destroyer.

His appearance as a replacement for Martin Aldridge after 60 minutes coincided with Omer Riza's equaliser for the Gunners and Weaterstone soon made his presence felt.

His first touch of the ball in the 64th minute was a fluffed volley from a Mark Angel cross, but the ball bobbed up and he volleyed in at the second attempt.

A blocked tackle by Mark Stevens denied Riza a second goal and Weatherstone made victory certain nine minutes later with a glancing header from a cross by Rob Folland.

Three triallists, Peter Holcroft, Jean-Claude Pagal and Dutchman Carel Van der Velden, who has played for Barnsley, made their home debuts.

Two of them set up Oxford's first goal after 27 minutes. Van der Velden found Pagal and the former Cameroon ace slipped the ball to Angel who scored from close range.

Pagal did not appear for the second half.

Oxford Utd Res: Jackson, Rose, Angell (Folland 70), Van der Velden, Davies, Stevens, Pagal (Lewis 45), Wright, Aldridge (Weatherstone 60), Cook, Holcroft.

Arsenal Res: Bartram, Crowe, Cole, Garde, Upson, Wicks, Muntasser, McGowan, Wreh, Hughes (Day 65), Riza. Subs: Taylor and Vernazza (not used).

Attendance: 496.

Referee: G K Hegley (Bishops Stortford).

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