Oxford United U19s began their South West Youth Alliance campaign with a 2-1 victory at home to Newport County yesterday afternoon.
The visitors took the lead early on, but goals from Aaron Lacey and a late winner from Kasway Burton after Newport went down to ten men earned the U’s an opening victory.
Coach Chris Hackett said
“The boys went 1-0 down but were dominating the game at the time. The lads did well at sticking to their beliefs and in what we are trying to do, and the hard work they’ve put in during pre-season really showed.
“Physically and socially they were excellent as a unit and got themselves back in to the game with a goal from Lacey from a set piece in the second half.
“The winner came through Burton late on after Newport had a man sent off. Zaide Took-Oxley, Richard McIntrye and Callum Barrett-Doyle were all excellent, but it was a really solid all-round team performance to get the season underway.
LINEUP: Marriott, Maxwell, Lacey, Smith, McIntyre, Barrett-Doyle, Took-Oxley, Bradney, Griffiths, Burton, Brenan (Fowler 70’)