OXFORD United’s pre-season victory at home to Swansea City offered a glimpse of what is to come this campaign for the U’s.
Liam Manning’s side were well worth their 1-0 win, even if the goal was a little fortuitous as the ball slid between the legs of Swans goalkeeper Andy Fisher and over the line.
Here are four things we learnt from the game.
Pressing high
United’s front four of Tyler Goodrham, Ruben Rodrigues, Marcus Browne and Mark Harris caused havoc with Swansea’s back three, particularly in the first half.
The U’s pressed high up the pitch, forcing mistakes and winning the ball in dangerous areas.
It’s a high risk, high reward situation committing players so far up the field when out of possession, but it paid off after six minutes when Rodrigues and Harris worked together to win the ball.
Browne did the rest, with his low effort squirming under Fisher.
Mystery trialist
The notable inclusion on the United team sheet was that of the number 12: Trialist.
Marley Watkins’ move to Kilmarnock was announced in the hour before kick-off so that ruled him out.
When the players came out to warm up, it was apparent this trialist was a younger player too and had fairer hair.
Rumours circulated online as to the identity of the mystery trialist, and we can confirm it was Liverpool youngster Max Woltman.
The 19-year-old forward showed some nice touches in his 13-minute cameo after replacing Rodrigues.
Woltman’s debut for the Reds came in December 2021, when he replaced Takumi Minamino in stoppage time as Liverpool beat AC Milan at the San Siro in a Champions League group stage clash.
He then played the first 45 minutes at Anfield as Liverpool beat Shrewsbury Town 4-1 in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup last January.
Woltman joined Doncaster Rovers in Sky Bet League Two last season, making 14 appearances before being recalled by his parent club in January.
READ ALSO: Our player ratings as Oxford United beat Swansea City in pre-season clash
Sweeper keeper
Something that was also evident against Eastleigh was the involvement of James Beadle in United’s build-up play.
Against Swansea, Beadle was often coming to and beyond the edge of his penalty box.
From there, he acted as an extra outfield player, offering a passing option for his defence and being able to play balls into midfield or wide areas.
Beadle’s ability on the ball is very likely going to add an extra dimension to the U’s this season.
McEachran’s passing
Another player who caught the eye with his passing range was Josh McEachran.
As expected, the 30-year-old is comfortable on the ball in tight areas, but also has the range to open up the opposition.
We saw that in the first half with a defence-splitting pass from deep, which had just a little bit too much on it for Harris.
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