Oxford United’s under 18s came out on top with a fantastic 2-0 win over rivals Swindon Town in the League Cup this afternoon. Goals from Callum Crook and Adam Smith saw the U’s through to the next round in an excellent game of football in the pouring rain
The U’s gave the chance for a number of their first-year scholars to sample a ‘derby’ at this level- left-back Sam Johnson, Crook and skipper Jack Gardner the only second years in the starting line up and Gardner was a key figure in a thunderous first half in whch there were a few late challenges and no shortage of good attacking play from both sides.
United’ keeper Eddie Brearey was the star man with three good saves, the third an excellent stop to keep it at 0-0 before the break.
United then took control immediately after the break when the excelent Will Owens’ cross was flicked on and the powerful Crook crashed the ball home at the back post to make it 1-0.
With Elijah Coe full of tricks in a number ten role and Ben Watt joining the attack whenever possible from right-back the U’s held off their visitors with Brearey far quieter after the interval and on 70 minutes were 2-0 up when Owens’ run and Coe’s flick left Smith with another close range finish to make it 2-0.
Swindon pushed forward but centre-backs Clinton Nosakhare and James Golding stood strong and the U’s were full value for their win.
Three games, three wins so far this season- a very promising start.
United
Brearey, Watt, Nosakhare, Golding, Johnson, Gardner, Anifowose (Grant), Smith (Trialist), Coe, Crook, Owens