Oxford United U18s are into the semi-finals of the Youth Alliance League Cup in style after a terrific 5-1 victory away at Luton Town this evening thanks to two goals from Leon Chambers-Parillon, a brace from Callum Crook and a goal from winger Tyler Goodrham.
United’s youngsters started on the back foot against their Luton counterparts but with Nico Jones back in the starting XI after being involved in the first team squad in United’s FA Cup victory over Walsall on Saturday, the U’s backline stood strong when called upon in the opening exchanges.
The U’s then took the lead five minutes before half time when a free kick was swung into the near post by Jack Stevens into the path of Chambers-Parillon who finished first time against his former club into the bottom corner to make in 1-0.
On came Crook and Adam Smith at the break for Fabio Lopes and Jack Stevens and it was Crook, the U18s top scorer, who almost profited immediately when an instinctive pass from Goodrham found him and his touch was good but Luton were alert quickly to thwart the attack.
As Luton began to apply some pressure, United waited for their moment and on 68’ they were rewarded. Chambers-Parillon was involved again as his excellent cross was met by Crook to double the lead. It got even better when Chambers-Parillon then latched onto a cross to head home to put United three goals to the good.
There was to be a twist however, as United failed to deal with a deep delivery allowing Luton to grab a goal back. However, they were not to be undone and almost immediately from kick off, restored their three-goal advantage. Elechi’s cross was met by Goodrham on the volley who finished superbly. Four crosses, four goals and Crook had the last say late on to make it five for United as his looping strike found its way beyond the goalkeeper to send United into the semi finals in style
The team next face Maidenhead United at home in the FA Youth Cup. The FA Youth Cup tie will be played at Thame United on Tuesday, with the winner facing Preston North End or Bristol City at home.
UNITED: Evans, Johnson, Elechi, Sole (Gardner, 79), Milton, Jones (Trialist, 64), Goodrham, Chambers-Parillon, Ferguson, Stevens (Smith, 46), Lopes (Crook 46)
Unused Sub: Niemczycki