Oxford United 0 Exeter City 1

Josh Magennis’ early header was the only goal separating City and Oxford United as the Grecians came out as victors against their Championship opponents behind closed doors.

A confident first half followed by an assured defensive display in the second was enough to see City beat the first EFL opponents they came up against this summer. 

Now over a month into the pre-season schedule, Gary Caldwell named a full eleven of first team players to start against the U’s, with Ryan Woods coming in for his first start of the summer while Reece Cole dropped out of the squad as a precaution.

Despite two early corners for the hosts, Oxford’s keeper was the first to be called intro action nine minutes in. Yanic Wildschut was brought down, winning a freekick on the left wing, level with the six-yard box. Ryan Woods worked a smart set-piece with Pedro Borges into the area, which the U’s keeper had to punch away over a flurry of red and white shirts attacking the ball. 

Ten minutes later, City opened the scoring from that left side. Ben Purrington controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty area before crossing towards Josh Magennis. The striker stooped low at the back post to head the ball past the U’s stopper into the back of the net.

And Joe Whitworth, on loan from Crystal Palace, kept a clean sheet.

For the full match report, click here.