Under 18s Welcome Cheltenham

Young U's take on the Robins

28 October 2022

Oxford United's Under 18s welcome Cheltenham Town to the Bangkok Glass Training Centre on Saturday (11am)

The U's secured three points at Plymouth last week with a dramatic injury time winner and Coach Pablo Haysham is looking for his side to carry on where they left off.

"We conceded in injury time and went straight up the other end to win it" he told us. "That showed a little bit of character and made the long journey home that bit easier!

"Gatlin O'Donkor stepping up and playing well for the First Team on Tuesday has also been good for us. It always helps the Academy because players at all levels, not just the under 18s, see a pathway where they could end up playing for the First Team.

"Gatlin will be up in Bolton on Saturday but that gives a younger lad a chance with us. We have a couple of injuries: Amari Davis Stephenson is making progress after an ACL injury but our centre-half Max Smith has also picked up a knee injury now.

"Last weekend we had two of our under 16s on the scoresheet for the under 18s so when players get their chance they are taking it. Hopefully we can finish a good week with another win."

The Youth team enter the FA Youth Cup next Saturday when they take on Torquay United at Court Place Farm (3pm). It's a great chance to see the young U's in action

Match Reports

Under 18s lose to Cheltenham

Youth team beaten in Youth Alliance League

31 October 2022

Oxford United’s under 18s lost 1-0 to Cheltenham on Saturday at the Bangkok Glass Training Centre.

The U’s created chances in the first half with 14-year-old striker Leo Snowden impressing as he stepped up from the under 15s, but fell behind on the hour to the only goal of the game, with defender James Golding’s red card adding to a frustrating afternoon as Chris Hackett told us

“We were probably the better team before the break but couldn’t turn that into a goal and then in the second half we played for half an hour with ten men including an under 16 and under 15 who both did well. The character and work rate were there from everyone but it was hard to find a way back into the game.

“We did create a couple of chances but in the end it was a disappointing result for us and now we have a big week ahead of us as we prepare for the FA Youth Cup game at home to Torquay on Saturday. With the First Team not in action it would be great to see a few fans come along and watch what should be a really good cup tie.”

UNITED
Barnsley, Sankoh (Gerrard 60), Golding, Franklin (Zabeli 60), Maxwell, Took-Oxley, Tiamuna, Brenan, Elliott-Wheeler, Burton, Snowden

Oxford United v Torquay United in the FA Youth Cup takes place this Saturday at Court Place Farm, with a 3pm kick off. We’ll have a full preview later in the week.