By MARK EDWARDS WHAT a difference a change of manager can make!

Since Mickey Lewis has taken over the reins from Malcolm Shotton as caretaker boss at Oxford United, the players want to play football again - and this was highlighted in the best possible way as United's reserves dished out a 5-0 drubbing to Gillingham at the Manor last night.

Although playing against a young side in the Avon Insurance Combination clash, Lewis's men really turned on the style in an impressive and confident display of passing which was a joy to watch.

Every player wanted the ball and the change in their body language showed what a breath of fresh air Lewis has been since he took charge.

Showing as much passion from the sideline as he does on the pitch, Lewis spent the match encouraging his team to pass the ball as often and as quickly as possible.

Jamie Cook, not given the chances many thought he deserved while Shotton was at the helm, opened the scoring with a left-foot shot in the 12th minute. Just 55 seconds later, Ben Abbey smashed a corker into the top corner to double the lead.

The ubiquitous Cook then set up No 3, whipping in a delightful cross for centre-back Jon Shepheard to sidefoot home.

Cook, Abbey and Simon Weatherstone all went close before Dean Whitehead scored his first goal for the reserves when he struck a sweet left-foot shot past Charlie Mitten on 71 minutes.

Two minutes later it was 5-0, Simon Weatherstone mis-hitting a left-foot volley which bounced into the ground and looped over Mitten.

Whitehead thought he had his second when his shot deflected past Mitten, but was ruled out for offside. Sam Ricketts also went close, his header thumping against the bar.

United keeper Paul Lundin had little to do for the entire game, making his only save in the 92nd minute. "We didn't pass the ball very well for the first five minutes, but overall it was a good performance," said Lewis.

"It doesn't matter what team you are with, it is always nice to get off to a winning start as it gives everybody confidence that you can win.

"The important thing as far as I'm concerned, is that we play football."

Oxford Utd: Lundin, Folland (King 73), Ricketts, R Weatherstone, Shepheard, Whelan (McIntosh 75), Cook, Whitehead, Abbey, Lambert (Hamp 67), S Weatherstone.

Gillingham: Mitten, Collis, Watts (Cornwall 87), Edge, Marsh, Hills, Morris, White, Neal (Lovell 87), Spiller, Chamberlain (Hafner 87).

Attendance: 105.

WITNEY Town striker Carl Henry was due to play for United last night, but was left out and should get his chance in Wednesday's reserve game at Fulham.

Story date: Thursday 28 October

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