Alhaurin de la Torre 0, Oxford United 2

YOUNGSTERS Josh Ashby and James Roberts were on target to give Oxford United victory in front of hundreds of their fans at Alhaurin de la Torre.

The 20-year-olds netted well-taken goals either side of the break under the roasting Spanish sun to see off the home side and get the tour off to a winning start.

Michael Appleton’s men got through the test without picking up an injury problems, although Liam Sercombe, Aaron Martin, Wes Thomas and Benji Buchel sat out with minor problems.

United took time to adjust to the sweltering conditions and artificial playing surface at Estadio Los Manantiales.

It allowed the fourth tier hosts to gain the upper hand early on, but the tourists improved as the first half wore on.

George Jeacock prodded a chance wide on the counter-attack after being put through by Dan Crowley.

The hundreds of travelling fans had something to shout about in the 38th minute, when Ashby opened the scoring with a sweet strike from 25 yards.

United resisted making changes until just before the hour mark as the fitness levels continue to build.

One player kept on longer than most was Roberts, who made the most of the playing time by doubling the lead with a tidy finish after a jinking run on 64 minutes.

Understandably given the weather conditions, the game ran out of steam in the closing stages, but it remained a decent workout against a competitive side.

United’s second and final match on the tour is at their training base against UD Marbella on Friday.

Oxford Utd: Eastwood (Stevens 59), Long (Skarz 59), Dunkley (Cundy 59), Nelson (Ribeiro 59), Welch-Hayes, Crowley (MacDonald 55), Ruffels (Lundstram 62), Ashby, Giles (Taylor 62), Jeacock, Roberts.