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