JON Obika and Luke Garbutt found the net to seal a hat-trick of victories for Oxford United in their pre-season tour to Ireland.

The pair struck in the space of five minutes in the first half against UCD – and had the visitors shown more of a killer instinct in front of goal, the scoreline would have been much more comfortable.

But given the workload since the weekend, which has seen Karl Robinson’s side also beat Portmarnock AFC and Longford Town, United’s display was encouraging.

Rob Dickie and Samir Carruthers both started after shaking off minor knocks picked up 24 hours earlier against Longford.

A feature of the 5-1 victory on Tuesday was the wing play of Shandon Baptiste, and here he picked up where he left off.

Hot on the heels of three assists, the 20-year-old set up both United’s goals at the UCD Bowl.

Obika was the first to profit, finishing neatly from the winger's pass in the 25th minute for his third goal in two games.

It was quickly 2-0, as Baptiste picked out Garbutt to smash a low shot into the far corner from 15 yards.

UCD, who top of the League of Ireland’s Division 1, had a good spell after the break.

Sean McDonald skewed wide when he should have done better, while Simon Eastwood made an excellent save to deny one of the Irish side’s substitutes.

Obika and John Mousinho should have scored with clear chances, which set the tone for the rest of the game United made seven changes on the hour and chances flowed freely for their fresh legs.

Malachi Napa, Armani Little and Cameron Norman had opportunities, but the lack of a third goal did not cost the visitors, who will return home tomorrow with a 100 per cent record in pre-season.

Oxford Utd: Eastwood (Shearer 60), McMahon (Norman 60), Dickie (Raglan 60), Nelson (Long 60), Garbutt (Little 60), Mousinho, Ruffels, Henry (Napa 60), Carruthers (Carroll 60), Baptiste, Obika (James 80).