Oxford United’s under 18s’s continued their impressive start to the season with their fourth win in a row as they beat Newport County 2-0 at the Oxford Sports Park on Saturday morning. Goals from Adam Smith and Elijah Coe made it three league wins on the bounce to put the U’s top of the early table.
As has been the case all season the first year scholars have been given their chance early with some second years such as Tyler Goodrham stepping up to the Under 21 side but the first years have adjusted quickly and both striker Smith and the industrious Coe, usually a number ten, struck before half time after a very strong first 45 minutes.
After the break United continued to create chances with centre half James Golding heading just off target and Smith twice close while under 16 striker Gatlin O’Dinkor nearly marked his debut with a goal but couldn’t quite covert one of many opportunities which the U’s carved out.
Coach Leon Blackmore Such told us
“It’s been a very positive start from all of the boys. The first years have taken to it very quickly but they are getting help from the likes of Sam Johnson, Callum Crook and Jack Gardner who are that year older and are taking the extra reponsibility really well.
“It’s a good start and we are delighted but we will keep working and keep trying to improve because I think there is more to come from this group.”
Meanwhile congratulations to Under 21 midfielder Fabio Lopes who was voted Man of the Match on his debut for Biggleswade Town on Saturday against Bromsgrove Sporting having joined on youth loan the previous day
UNITED
Brearey, Watt, Nosakhare, Golding, Johnson, Gardner, Coe (Tiamuna 70), Anifowose (Grant 80), Trialist (Owens 57), Crook (O'Donkor 61, Smith.
Sub not used
Niemczycki
Pictures: Steve Edmunds Photography