Alloa boss Paul Hartley reckons his sides draw with Oxford United proves that they are ready for the challenges ahead next season.

The League Two side made the long trip north and were rewarded for their travels with an early goal through their striker Deane Smalley after only seven minutes.

The Wasps rallied and were unlucky not to equalise immediately when Andy Kirk smashed the crossbar with an excellent half volley.

Alloa dominated possession throughout the clash but could find a way through the physicality of the United back line.

The hosts looked destined for defeat in a game where chances were few and far between but in the final moments of the game a stunning forty yard pass from Stephen Simmons found speed merchant Eddie Ferns in behind the Oxford defence.

The young winger took an impressive first touch before rounding the keeper and slotting for the equaliser.

For the Wasps boss, the result was no more than his side deserved against a very strong opposition.

Hartley told Advertiser Sport, "It was a really good test for us and it was a really worthwhile exercise against a very good side.

"They are a full time and it just gives us a bit of a gauge as to where we are at and how far we have to go to progress. I think we deserved the draw at least. We had loads of possession but they had a really good shape about them and that made life difficult for us.

"They are were very physical and strong but we got the ball down and passed it about well so overall I am pleased with the way things are going. We don't come up against that kind of physicality up here and that will stand us in good stead for the First Division campaign.

"It was also great for our centre backs to come up against such an experienced premier league striker like Kitson. We were unlucky to concede early with a sloppy goal but we created some good situations.

"We had chances, we hit the bar and could have taken advantage of our possession but second half we found it hard to get through. We scored a really good goal to finish and Ferns took it well from a great pass by Simmons."

The visitors fielded a strong starting eleven as they looked to step up their preseason preparations ahead of the season start on August 3 and the former Hearts and Celtic midfielder was impressed by the men from Oxfordshire and hopes his side can return the favour next season with a trip south.

Hartley added, "Oxford were a very good side and obviously they have a very experienced striker in Dave Kitson.

"They pass the ball very well, and I was really impressed by their work ethic. It is good to see an English club come up here, they haven't been up here for a while and perhaps we can even go down there next summer.

"Overall it was a great occasion."