Weekend Friendlies...

A Jamie Cook goal in the second half gave Oxford City a win at Southern League Division 1 side Rugby Town.

Mike Allen reports....

A late goal by substitute Jamie Cook gave Oxford City a hard earned victory as they continued their pre-season build up at Rugby Town on Saturday. City's midweek signing, Venezuelan keeper Mikuael Jaimoz Ruiz produced an impressive display to thwart the home side. Jaimoz Ruiz looks to have filled the large boots of last season's favorite, Jason Mooney, who has signed professional terms with League 1 side Tranmere Rovers.

Striker Nabil Shariff looked impressive for the visitors, causing the home defence constant problems and was unlucky to see his effort on 25 minutes deflected narrowly over Bevan goal. Andy Gunn thought he had put City ahead but his effort was ruled out for an infringement in the six yard box. The City goal had a narrow escape just before the break when Adam Learoyd diverted a low cross onto his own upright.

In the second half the introduction of Jamie Cook along with veterans Chris Wilmott and Steve Basham saw City take the initiative and their efforts were rewarded after 85 minutes. Steve Basham was cynically pulled down by Gudger when he was clean through on goal. From the resulting free kick, Michael Alexis rolled the ball into the path of Jamie Cook who gave Bevan no chance with a low drive just inside the upright.

Oxford City Nomads ran in seventeen goals without reply in their final friendly before their first Hellenic match of the new season next Saturday.