Youngsters lose by a single goal at Aston Villa
A very young Oxford United Development side were in action this afternoon, losing 1-0 away to Aston Villa in a friendly.
Coach Chris Allen told us:
“It was a good close game and there were lots of positives for us. We wanted to play the match so we could give one or two people time out on the pitch but also to look at the scholars as much as anything; we have to make decisions on them very soon and it is good to see how they match up to a very bright, very enthusiastic young Villa side.
“The first half was pretty tight. We worked hard and got into great positions but the final pass wasn’t quite there or a defender got a block in, but we also defended well at the other end and 0-0 was probably fair at the break.
“At half time we talked about getting that final ball right and about taking care of the ball when we had possession. We got a few good balls into the box and did well throughout the second half but playing against a Premier League side you have to concentrate for 90 minutes and one loose ball, one pass over the top and their striker lobbed the ball over Jack Stevens for the only goal.
“The result isn’t that important, it was more about seeing that next stage and the standard you can expect playing against the likes of Villa, who looked good. But we matched them for most of the game and can come away with our heads held high.”
United
Stevens, Welch-Hayes, Trialist, Grant, C Hawtin, George, Ashby (Humphries 60), Hayden, Giles, Roberts (Hastings h/t), Graham