Youth team's first pre-season friendly ends in victory
Oxford United's under-18s emulated their seniors with victory in their first pre-season friendly. The youth team won 1-0 at Northampton Town thanks to a goal from Cian McCormack in the 85th minute.This was the squad's first taste of action after being in training for a week and it gave a chance for the new first-year scholars to impress, with everyone getting at least 45 minutes under their belts.
United had lots of possession in the first half without creating many clear-cut chances but in the second half they played higher up the pitch and got into some good areas. The game's only goal came with five minutes remaining when, from a short corner, George Jeacock crossed for McCormack to head home.
Coach Leon Blackmore-Such told us: "The first-year scholars did really well, with Charlie Hawtin impressing at right-back. It was also the first game for Lewis Hayden in six months following his car accident and he played really well, wearing the captain's armband as he did before his injury. Malachi Napa showed good feet, George Jeacock was full of running and Seth Humphries also gave a good account of himself.
"We've another game tomorrow, as Bisham Abbey, and then the boys go off to an army camp for a couple of days for some hard exercise and team bonding."
United: Agboola, Hawtin, McCormack, Ricketts, Tuttle, J Graham (Bryan), Hayden (Humphries 46), Carroll (L Graham 46), Hartley (Hastings), Napa, Triallist (Jeacock)