Oxford United Reserves took over at the top of the Totesport.Com Combination East Division with a 2-0 victory over Colchester Res at Didcot’s Loop Meadow Stadium on Wednesday night.

Goals from Asa Hall and Simon Heslop sealed victory for the U’s, whose line-up included James Constable and midfielder Ryan Burge, on trial from Doncaster Rovers.

United took the lead in the 31st minute when a right-wing corner from the impressive Burge was headed in at the far post by Hall.

Hall had the chance for a second, but his shot was saved by Mark Cousins.

After the break, Simon Eastwood made a good save from Ashley Vincent as the visitors searched for the equaliser.

At the other end, Burge had shot saved by Cousins after he was played in by substitute Tyrone Marsh, following a fine crossfield pass from Damian Batt, who played on the right wing rather than his usual right-back role.

On 81 minutes, United doubled their lead when Heslop’s superb 30-yard shot beat Cousins’s despairing dive.

Assistant manager Mickey Lewis said: “It was a really good performance. We worked really hard and the attitude was first-class.

“We thought James (Constable) needed a run-out and that’s why we played him. Sometimes it’s good to have a game to give a bit of variety to training."

United Res: Eastwood, Hanson (Marsh 63), Gaughan, Sangare, Tonkin, Heslop, Batt, Hall, Constable (McDonagh), Burge, Woodley. Subs: Marsh, Alderman, Morris, Crocombe.

Attendance: 63.