ALFIE Potter missed two spot-kicks as an Oxford Mail supporters’ side beat the Oxford United players 3-2 in the annual penalty shoot-out competition at the club’s Open Day on Saturday.

Thousands of U’s fans turned up to get a first glimpse at Chris Wilder’s summer signings, the new home kit and to take part in lots of fun activities on the Kassam Stadium.

And it was Potter – scorer of the dramatic third goal at Wembley – who was centre of attention as the U’s players fell 2-1 behind in the shoot-out series, after having to take the spot-kicks with their weaker foot.

Ed Tarlton got the fans off to a great start, smashing his penalty past Ryan Clarke.

But although James Longshaw, Kenny Bowerman and Dave Ball all missed, the score after four penalties was 1-1.

Only new-boy Simon Heslop scored from the spot as Potter, Asa Hall and Richie Baker all failed to score.

When Aaron McDonagh netted, James Constable needed to score in order to take it to sudden death.

He did net, but when Tarlton scored his second, the pressure was too much for Potter, who missed a second penalty to hand the fans victory.

As well as the penalty shoot-out, there was a huge juniors’ game on the Kassam Stadium pitch – and an even bigger one when the kids took on United’s first team and management with five balls in play.

The United players took part in a gentle warm-up and pracitce match in front of a packed North Stand – the players later posing with supporters in a giant picture.

There was then a queue stretching more than 100 yards as the U’s squad took their places in the stand for a huge autograph and picture session.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas was over the moon with the great turn-out.

“It is so great to see so many people here today,” he said.

“And it is especially nice to see so many youngsters, who we hope enjoyed the Wembley experience last season and will give us a lot of support this season.”

As well as the on-pitch activities, some of United’s main backers – including Bridle Insurance, Polythene UK and Hartwells – all hand stands around the pitch, giving away goodies to the hundreds of children.