By Jon Murray OXFORD United made it two signings in two days yesterday by completing the capture of Cheltenham's big striker Julian Alsop.

The 30-year-old, who has scored 55 goals from 200 League starts, was the target man United boss Ian Atkins has been chasing, as Sportsmail exclusively revealed earlier in the week.

Alsop, who has won promotion from the third division with Swansea and Cheltenham, signed a two-year contract at the Kassam Stadium, subject to passing a medical.

He told the club's website: "I've spoken to a couple of clubs. but having come here and seen the ground. I think this is a club that wants to go places.

"I'm confident in my own abilities. I've always scored goals and want another promotion."

U's boss Ian Atkins hopes to complete the strong backbone of his side - after 6ft 5in ex-Hibs midfielder Derek Townsley signed on Thursday - by getting Paul McCarthy to agree a deal.

The centre back, who impressed when on loan from Wycombe at the end of last season, has been offered a contract by the U's.

Meanwhile, United's reserves will play in a new reserve league next season - the Wales and West Division of the newly-named Pontin's Holidays Combination.

They will face Bournemouth, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Plymouth, Reading, Swansea and Swindon.