MALCOLM Shotton will have talks with director Maurice Evans to see whether Oxford United should offer Owen Coll a two-week trial at the Manor Ground.

The Republic of Ireland Under 21 international impressed during the reserves' 1-0 friendly win at Oxford City on Monday night.

Coll, who started his career at Tottenham and has been at Bournemouth for two seasons, played at centre back in a game won by a goal from summer signing Andy Thomson after 26 minutes.

"He didn't do badly at all. I'll have a chat with Maurice and see which way we'll go with him. We might offer him a two-week trial," said Shotton.

Thomson's strike will have boosted the former Southend striker's chances of getting a starting place in Saturday's opening Nationwide League Division 1 game at Bristol City.

Matt Murphy played as Kevin Francis's strike partner in United's 3-1 win over Panionios and both Dean Windass and Nicky Banger can also play up front.

Shotton felt that, on the balance of play, his team should have wrapped up a much more comprehensive win over City.

"Up until the final third of the field we were all over them and should have won more comfortably," he said. "Overall it was a good performance and but for some poor finishing, we could have scored five or six goals. "All in all, it was a good work out."

CHILDREN are being admitted free to Oxford United's local derby against Swindon Town at the County Ground on Wednesday, September 9, providing they get their ticket in advance.

It's part of a new policy by the Wiltshire club, running throughout the season, to build up the youth support in the town.

Tickets for the local derby, which has been made all-ticket, go on sale to United season ticket/priority pass holders and members, one per valid card/pass, from 9.30am next Monday, August 10.

Any remaining tickets will go on open sale from 9.30am on Monday, August 24. Tickets are £14 adults, £8 over 65s/students, and juniors 15 or under go free.

SUMMER signings Dean Windass, Danny Hill and Andy Thomson are the guest speakers, along with manager Malcolm Shotton and captain Les Robinson, at the next Oxford United Social Club presentation of "An Evening With . . ." on Thursday, August 20 (8.00).

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