Oxford United inflicted Aylesbury's biggest pre-season defeat of the current campaign, winning 4-0 at Buckingham Road after a three-goal burst in the closing ten minutes of the game.
The visitors started with a bang, scoring after just 19 seconds. The ball fell nicely to Barry Quinn on the edge of the area, and the former Coventry midfielder smashed home an unstoppable shot. 1-0 Oxford
Minutes later Craig Davies had a shot held by Rashid after turning sharply in the area, before Aylesbury suffered the early blow of losing Liam Folds to injury, with the defender being replaced by Granville Mellington.
A great passage of play from the Ducks lead to the lively Neil Lazarus breaking effectively down the left flank, and he fed Paul Edgeworth who had a fierce effort blocked in the area.
Aylesbury were once again proving to be a match for their more illustrious opponents, and they went close on 28 minutes. Drew Roberts powerful free-kick was spilled by Chris Tardif, but from close range and a tough angle Edgeworth couldn't steer the ball past Tardif who had recovered well.
Darran Hay had an ambitious acrobatic effort from a great right-wing cross fly wide of the far-post, and Stuart Gray fired a shot wide at the other end before half-time.
Half-time: Aylesbury United 0-1 Oxford United
Oxford stepped up a gear in the second half and put Aylesbury under intense pressure for much of the remaining match. Chris Hackett missed two good early chances, firstly smashing a shot well over when well placed. Next Lee Bradbury sprung the offside trap, but Rashid made a good stop to deny him after rushing from his goal, but the ball broke to Hackett who could only half-volley wide.
Lively second-half substitute Robert Hughes hit the post from an excellent right-flank delivery, as it seemed only a matter of time before Oxford found a second goal.
Rashid made an excellent save to deny Bradbury, before Steve Basham ran through the centre of the pitch but slotted his shot wide.
The second finally came with ten minutes left to play, Hackett eventually getting his goal. A misdirected backpass from Drew Roberts fell to Bradbury, who ran on and picked out Hackett who was left with an easy finish. 2-0 Oxford
Two minutes later it was three, as Oxford's superior fitness levels began to pay dividends. Ex-Hornchurch right-back Jude Stirling stepped forward from right-back before curling a sweet shot into the net from 20-yards. 3-0 Oxford
Four minutes from time it was four-nil, John Ashton managing to steal in and convert a corner at the near-post, to send Brian Talbot home a happy manager. 4-0 Oxford
