Oxford City ended their pre-season with a competitive friendly against Enterprise National League South promotion-hopefuls Maidenhead United.

The game was competitive throughout, but chances were at a premium. 

Remy Clerima was handed a red card in the second-half for dissent, but in the interest of the friendly, City allowed United to continue with eleven (with Clerima replaced) for the remainder of the game. 

The game was tightly contested throughout, and in truth, the report will be shorter than usual due to the sheer volume of chances. 

On loan Aston Villa Goalkeeper Sam Lewis made the save of the game when he tipped Sam Barratt’s cross over the crossbar, but the Maidenhead defender wouldn’t be denied for long.

Jordon Raguette’s pin-point cross a minute before the interval found Barrett, who simply flicked his neck muscles to divert the ball into the net and past a helpless Lewis. 

The second-half was equally as cagey. 

Maidenhead Manager Alan Devonshire introduced former-Hoop Corie Andrews to the fray at the interval, but the new-look City defence of Jacob Roddy, Darnell Johnson and Charlie Wiggett kept the striker in check. 

Barratt was the man who was making things happen, even from where it seemed almost impossible to do so. His direct corner bounced off the crossbar mid-way through the second half as the score stayed level. 

Despite it being a friendly, referee Craig Davenport wasn’t afraid to go to his pocket. So much so that with 25-minutes to go that Maidenhead centre-half Remy Clerima was given two yellow cards in the space of ten seconds. 

The first for dissent, and the second for applauding in Davenport’s direction. Nevertheless, with pre-season a preparation for both side’s respective campaigns, a gentlemen’s agreement between the two benches allowed the visitors to continue with eleven men and Clerima was replaced. 

City continued to push for a leveller, but the closest the Hoops came was when new signing Isaac Westendorf shot straight at Van Stapperhsoef after McEachran found him outside the box. 

Lewis was on hand to make another impressive stop late on in the game to deny the visitors a second. 

All in all though, more food for thought for City boss Ross Jenkins. Next up for the Hoops it’s a trip to AFC Fylde for their Enterprise National League North opener. 

Now though, the dress rehearsals are over. Next up… the real thing.