Banbury United beat Easington Sports in pre-season friendly

Former Oxford City boss Jones was appointed to lead the Puritans on a one-year contract last month, replacing Andy Whing, who resigned on May 22.

Jones gave first starts to summer signings Jack Davies, Tai Fleming, Josh Barlow, Lawson D’Ath, Ken Charles and Tope Obadeyi for the short trip to Easington Sports in the Ron Thomas Memorial Cup.

READ ALSO: Oxford United Women make first summer signing

Former Cheshunt striker Charles, 22, made a big impression and headed home just before the half hour mark from a trialist’s cross.

Teenage midfielder Barlow, previously of Shrewsbury Town, made it 2-0 to the Puritans just a matter of minutes later.

The hosts then pulled a quick goal back themselves when Lemar Carlin tapped into an empty net.

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Ten trialists took to the field for the Puritans in the second half, as Jones made a full set of changes to his outfield starting line-up.

With 12 minutes to go, a Puritans trialist made it 3-1, with the fourth goal coming two minutes later.

Meanwhile, Didcot Town drew 1-1 at Milton United in a game played in pouring rain.

The Railwaymen are next in action away to Wallingford & Crowmarsh in the Larry Hill Memorial Cup.

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About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.