Peter Fear laid down a strong claim for a first team recall with a brilliant performance in Oxford United Reserves' 2-2 draw with Wycombe Wanderers in last night's Avon Insurance Combination game at the Manor Ground.

The newly-appointed captain, dropped from Oxford's last three games, was in a class of his own in midfield and crowned a near-faultless display with a goal in the 33rd minute which David Beckham could not have bettered.

Jamie Cook was brought down by Jason Cousins 25 yards out and Fear left Mark Westhead helpless with a free kick over the defensive wall and into the roof of the net. The first half was a chapter of mistakes and misplaced passes typified by Wanderers equaliser after 44 minutes.

New goalkeeper Hubert Busby, who twice flapped at early corners, completely missed a Ben Townsend cross and Leeyon Phelan headed into an empty net.

United improved after Jamie Brooks came on for Mosiah Blake after 67 minutes and with his first touch of the ball he outpaced two defenders and crossed to the unmarked Cook who was left with a tap-in.

The visitors equalised for the second time ten minutes from the end when Kelvin McIntosh handled in the area and Danny Senda scored from the spot.