JON Obika continued his productive pre-season with another goal as Oxford United cruised to victory at Aldershot Town.

The striker netted his sixth goal in four games a minute after Curtis Nelson had opened the scoring at the Recreation Ground.

James Henry stretched the lead after the break for United, who were able to field Rob Hall as a late substitute for the winger’s first action in the warm-up games.

Aldershot, managed by former U’s boss Gary Waddock, made a bright start.

The side who reached the Vanarama National League play-offs last season named six triallists in their squad but looked coherent early on as they kept the ball well.

John Mousinho made three important interventions in his own penalty area to keep the hosts out, before the U’s hit their stride after the midway point in the first half.

Obika’s first clear chance of the night came on 27 minutes, when his shot was smothered by the on-trial goalkeeper after a flowing move involving Cameron Brannagan and Josh Ruffels.

Aldershot’s stopper endured a nervy evening and quickly presented Obika with another opening, making amends by parrying the fierce right-footed effort.

He made an excellent double save low at his near post as United increased the pressure late in the half.

Luke Garbutt’s wicked cross was met by a flick from Obika which was saved, along with James Henry’s effort on the rebound.

But United were not to be denied – and they scored twice in a minute to take a grip on the game by half-time.

Nelson opened the scoring when he reacted quickest to Mousinho’s header being pushed on to the crossbar from Tony McMahon’s free-kick.

It was a rare goal for United’s skipper, who then turned provider less than 60 seconds later.

Nelson’s ball forward was missed by the Shots defence and although Obika’s initial shot was saved, he smuggled the rebound over the line.

United continued to press in the second half.

McMahon had a free-kick turned round the post in the 49th minute and the resulting corner found Carruthers, whose low shot hit the far post.

Aldershot enjoyed a brief spell which saw Simon Eastwood pressed into a rare save, denying Adam McDonnell.

But United hit back and on 66 minutes finally got their third goal.

Brannagan showed great vision to spoon a pass over the static Shots defence for Henry to head home.

A good night for United was completed by the sight of Hall getting his first minutes of pre-season as a late substitute.

The winger forced a good save from substitute Jake Cole shortly after coming on, while the ex-U’s goalkeeper was helpless with a late free-kick from McMahon which hit the outside of the post two minutes from time.

The other half of the U’s squad visit Hungerford Town tomorrow.

Oxford Utd: Eastwood, McMahon, Nelson, Mousinho, Garbutt, Ruffels, Brannagan, Carruthers, Henry, Napa (Hall 80), Obika.

Subs: Stevens, Little, James.

Aldershot Tn: Triallist A, Kinsella, McDonnell, Fowler, Triallist B, Fenelon, Howell, McClure, Lelan, Triallist C, Triallist D.

Subs used: Cole, Arnold, Wanadio, Gallagher, Triallist E, Triallist F.

Attendance: 703 (101 visitors).