AARON Woodley’s spectacular strike gave a strong Oxford United XI a 1-0 victory at Brackley in last night’s pre-season friendly.

United made ten changes to the starting line-up of the side that beat Birmingham City 2-0 24 hours earlier, including goalkeeper Wayne Brown, who is set to sign as replacement for Simon Eastwood.

Youth-teamer Cole Hinchcliffe partnered Ryan James in the centre of defence, while Ben Purkis was at right back with Asa Hall alongside Josh Payne in midfield.

Brackley featured five former United players in their side, with new signing Jefferson Louis playing alongside Franny Green up front.

Chances were at a premium in the first half, although Brown had to save smartly from Owen Story in the third minute.

Neither side looked like making a breakthrough, but Oxford controlled the possession and played the neater football, with Payne spreading play at every opportunity.

Tom Winters went close to giving Brackley the lead just before the break when his left-footed free-kick came back off the cross bar.

United made a number of substitutions at the break, with James Constable, Tom Craddock and Tyrone Marsh coming on up front.

And they looked the brighter side, although they rarely troubled Billy Turley in the Brackley goal.

That was until Woodley’s moment of magic.

The young striker picked up the ball 20 yards from goal, took a touch, before curling it past the fully-stretched Turley, who could only grasp at thin air.

United should have doubled their lead fives minutes later.

Constable did well to control the ball on the by-line and work it away from Turley.

His low cross found Craddock with time and space six yards out.

However, Craddock’s effort cannoned off the foot of a post and away to safety.

The home side immediately went up the other end and were presented with an excellent opportunity when a rash challenge inside the box led to a penalty.

However, Brown capped an impressive first appearance for the U’s by saving the spot kick with his feet.

Brackley rarely threatened again after this, and with United passing the ball around neatly, they saw out the game for another win and clean sheet.