Wilder fumes at Baird challenge

City attack United's goal at Court Place Farm

Oxford United manager Chris Wilder is considering ending the annual pre-season fixture at Oxford City after a bad tackle on striker James Constable.

Wilder was outraged by a tackle on the key man by Andy Baird during Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Court Place Farm.

"I have not seen a challenge as bad as that for a long time," said Wilder.

"I'm not soft and I expect people to compete. That wasn't a 50/50 and it's very fortunate he's not broken my centre forward's leg."

City manager Justin Merritt admits the incident was not in keeping with the spirit of the fixture.

Jack Midson is all smiles after his goal gave United the lead

"I don't like to see that, but Andy Baird is a character that is very strong," he said.

He said to me there were a few things that happened before. I don't want to get involved in all that, there was hardly a foul in the game. "

The U's took the lead in the first half through new recruit Jack Midson, but former United players Andy Gunn and Michael Alexis earned City the spoils.

United also gave an outing to former Cheltenham centre-half Gavin Caines, as Wilder considers his options for new defensive cover.