PREVIEW: U18s in Semi-Final of EFL Youth Alliance Cup

Youngsters host AFC Wimbledon at the Training Ground on Saturday

24 January 2020

Oxford United U18s host AFC Wimbledon in the semi-final of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup at the Training Ground on Saturday (KO 11am).

It’s another big game in the calendar for Oxford United U18s as they look to progress to the regional final of the EFL Youth Cup.

The youngsters have been in excellent form in cup competitions this season, having reached the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup this year – equalling the club record in doing so – whilst also setting up Saturday’s semi-final at the training ground. The young U’s beat rivals Swindon before running out 5-1 winners against Luton Town in the quarter finals in December to reach this stage.

Team News

Slavi Spasov made his return for the first time in two months last time out and could be involved again whilst those that played against Preston North End at Deepdale on Monday are likely to be involved

Lead PDP coach Leon Blackmore-Such told us:

“We have a fantastic opportunity at home against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday and we are looking forward to another challenge. This is the third of three big games over the last two weeks and we know it will be another test. We know there is a massive game for the first team at Newcastle but we hope as many fans, friends and family as possible will come and support the boys on Saturday.”

Match Information
The match will be played at the Oxford United Training Ground (OX4 2RR) with FREE entry for supporters. Kick-off is at 11am.

Coverage
We will bring you a full report on the game as soon as we can right here on the official website.

Match Previews

Match Reports

REPORT: U18s Knocked Out of Youth Alliance Cup

United out of the cup in semi-finals

26 January 2020

Oxford United U18s went out of the Youth Alliance Cup after a narrow 1-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon at the Training Ground on Saturday

United fell behind against the run of play in the second half despite controlling the majority of the game but couldn’t find a way through in a frustrating match for the youngsters.

Tyler Goodrham went close early on as he swung in a delivery towards Nico Jones who was unable to connect at the back post before the winger’s freekick on 15 minutes caused problems for the visitors but couldn’t be steered towards goal. Slavi Spasov made his first start for the U18s in two months, and made his presence known early on as he was brought down in the area. No penalty was given though as the U’s looked for the opener.

United were dominant in possession with Fabio Lopesgoing close towards the end of the first half when his curling effort from the edge of the area forced a good save from the Wimbledon goalkeeper.

United continued where they left off in the second half, as a scramble on the goal line on 50 minutes saw Wimbledon hook an effort off the line but it was the visitors who made their chance count 30 minutes from time. A long throw led to another scramble in the six-yard box but Wimbledon’s centre forward was alert and bundled in to make it 1-0.

The young U’s had an excellent chance to restore parity as Spasov was awarded a penalty after persistent fouling, but the forward’s effort was saved from 12 yards and although the Yellows pressed hard in the final 15 minutes they couldn’t force a way through in what was a tight game

Out of the cup, but a valiant effort to reach the semi-finals and plenty to take from the game as the youngsters wrap up their Youth Alliance League campaign against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.

UNITED: Evans, Grant, Jones, Milton, Elechi, Sole, Goodrham, Chambers-Parillion, Spasov, Lopes, Stevens

Subs: Edwards, Gardner, Ferguson, Johnson, Crook

Match Reports