James Constable scored the winner as Oxford United wrapped up their pre-season programme with a deserved 1-0 victory against a young Everton side at the Kassam Stadium last night. The popular striker, nicknamed Beano, took advantage of a slip by defender Shane Duffy before smashing home his first goal of pre-season from the edge of the area on 56 minutes.

It stretched the U’s unbeaten run to eight matches against an Everton side packed with young talent, including Ross Barkley and French-born £1m signing Magaye Gueye, their top-scorer in pre-season with three goals.

Andrew Whing was given the chance to carry on in midfield after his good showing in the 2-0 win against Birmingham on Tuesday, while triallist Liam Davis – a substitute against the Blues – had a first start at left back.

Alfie Potter linked up with Constable and new signing Deane Smalley in attack, with Asa Hall, Lewis Davis and Tom Craddock making up the midfield trio.

United’s defence looked strong, with Michael Duberry returning in the centre alongside Ryan James, who did so well as substitute against Chris Hughton’s side.

James was forced into action making a superb block on Femi Oregnuga as he advanced on Ryan Clarke’s goal.

The U’s had to reshuffle their attack after Smalley limped off with an ankle injury to be replaced by Jon-Paul Pittman.

Davis then made a superb challenge on Conor McAleny after the ball broke to him in the area on 18 minutes.

Everton should have gone in front on the half-hour, but Apostolos Vellios headed Garbutt’s super left-wing cross over the bar.

A late challenge by Duffy on Craddock saw the frontman receive lengthy treatment before he was allowed to continue.

Damian Batt almost put the U’s ahead with a fierce cross-shot from the right, but Adam Davies got a hand to his effort.

At the other end, James glanced away a dangerous free-kick from Garbutt, before Clarke got down well to keep out a shot from Oregnuga after he burst down the right of the area.

After the break, Barkley had a golden chance to fire Everton in front, but shot wide.

And they paid the price soon afterwards when the U's took the lead. Constable seized on a mistake by Duffy before smashing an unstoppable shot past Davies from the edge of the area.

Everton were trying to get back into the game, but struggled to create chances, with United looking sharp on the break.

With ten minutes remaining, Craddock almost made it 2-0, but Duffy blocked his shot.

The Toffees kept throwing men forward as the game entered injury time, but United’s backline held firm to complete a satisfactory night’s work.

Oxford Utd: Clarke (Brown 45), Batt, Duberry, James, Whing (Anderson 67), Hall (Leven 70), Davis, Potter (Marsh 87), Smalley (Pittman 16), Constable (Payne 57), Craddock (Woodley 85).

Everton: Davies, Browning, Garbutt, Forshaw, Duffy, Mustafi, Oregnuga, Barkley (Lundstrum 67), Vellios (Silva 45), McAleny (Bidwell 62), Gueye (Hope 73). Subs not used: Nsiala, Forrester.

Attendance: 2,461.