Didcot Town have boosted their attack ahead of their BGB Southern League Premier Division baptism by snapping up young striker Matt Taylor from Oxford United.

Taylor, 18, who has had a loan spell at Abingdon United, was released at the end of the season by U’s boss Chris Wilder, a few days after he helped United win the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.

He was a regular scorer in Oxford’s under 18 side.

The Railwaymen’s manager Stuart Peace has also secured the services of U’s youngster Ian Sampson on loan until Christmas.

Last season, the defender became a regular in Didcot’s defence only to suffer a knee injury while training with Oxford, causing him to miss the Railwaymen’s run-in, which culminated in winning the Division 1 South & West promotion play-off Didcot will host Championship side Reading at Loop Meadow Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, as part of their pre-season friendly programme (7.30).

Peace’s side return for pre-season training on Thursday, July 2.

PRE-SEASON PROGRAMME.

Sat, July 11: Milton Utd (a) 3pm; Wed, July 15: Reading FC (h) 7.30; Sat, July 18: Maidenhead Utd (h) 3pm; Sat, July 25: Thatcham Tn (a) 3pm; Sat, Aug 1: Abingdon Tn (a) 3; Tue, August 4: Burnham (a) 7.30pm