Solihull Moors 1, Oxford United 1

WES Thomas took just nine minutes to open his goalscoring account for Oxford United as Michael Appleton’s side began pre-season with a draw at Solihull Moors.

The striker, one of six summer signings on show, expertly finished fellow substitute Alex MacDonald’s precise pass early in the second half.

But it was not the platform for United to start pre-season with a win, although there was a slice of luck about Lewis Hayden’s equaliser.

Importantly for the visitors, there were no injury concerns ahead of their training camp in Spain next week.

The main team news revolved around a player who was not on the teamsheet – Callum O’Dowda.

United said the winger, who has been the subject of speculation over a move away from United this summer, was unavailable due to illness.

The remainder of the squad was split into two different sides, with ten changes made at the break.

There were three summer signings in the XI for the first half – Christian Ribeiro, Aaron Martin and Dan Crowley.

Crowley, on loan from Arsenal, was quick to make an impact.

Used in a free role behind lone striker Ryan Taylor, the 18-year-old immediately caught the eye with a host of crisp touches and sharp turns.

Crowley ran the show early on, although he was brought down to earth in the 16th minute, when his free-kick attempt landed in the car park.

Moors, promoted into the Vanarama National League after winning Conference North, provided competitive opposition.

They forced several corners, but goalkeeper Benji Buchel did not have a shot to save.

The only clear opening before the break came at the other end, when George Jeacock forced Moors goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan into a rushed clearance.

Taylor collected the ball just outside the area, but his powerful shot was just kept out by Vaughan.

The deadlock was broken nine minutes after the break.

MacDonald threaded a perfectly-timed pass to find Thomas, who finished classily with the outside of his right boot.

Chey Dunkley had a great chance to make it 2-0 just after the hour mark when MacDonald’s free-kick deflected into his path, but the centre back shot wide from close range.

Moors also made wholesale changes at the break and one of their substitutes equalised out of the blue midway through the second half.

Hayden attempted a cross from wide on the right, but he miscued and the ball curled over Simon Eastwood and into the far corner of the net.

United had the better chances in the closing stages to win the game.

James Roberts scuffed a shot wide from Sam Long’s low cross, while Jonny Giles volleyed just off target from a MacDonald centre.

Solihull: Vaughan, Triallist, Franklin, Daly, Streete, Triallist, Asante, Osborne, White, Beswick, Knights.

Subs used: Lewis, Cowan, Kelly, Byrne, Brown, Hayden, Moore, Triallist, Triallist, Triallist, Triallist.

1st half: Buchel, Ribeiro, Martin, Cundy, Skarz, Jeacock, Lundstram, Ashby, Giles, Crowley, Taylor.

2nd half: Eastwood, Long, Nelson, Dunkley, Welch-Hayes, MacDonald, Sercombe, Ruffels, Giles, Thomas, Roberts.