Oxford United’s history making U18 side were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup last night by Manchester City.
The record-breaking cup run was brought to an end by an incredibly strong City side, but United’s performance was valiant and for periods of the game matched City.
Justin Oboavwoduo opened the scoring for the hosts in the 21st minute. United reacted well but were sunken by two second half goals from Will Dickson.
At full time, the travelling U’s fans who were in excellent voice, were full of admiration for a Young side who have shown guts and courage all year.
Playing in front of a big crowd in a Quarter Final is an invaluable experience, and the boys stood up to the test, only beaten by moments of real quality.
Midfielder and Captain for the night, Josh Johnson, knows the magnitude of their accomplishment.
“We’re very proud, we worked together well, we believed in ourselves and pushed each other. We felt the whole club behind us but we were just unlucky in the end.
“It was a good experience against a very good side. We stuck to our game plan, tried our best and believed in that game plan but at the end of the day that’s how football is sometimes.
“The Oxford fans were special. They supported us, shouting us on the whole game and even stayed at the end to talk to us and take pictures. It was good support from them and we are all very grateful for that as well.
“It was a little experience of what’s to come. Hopefully some of us can make appearances for the first team. It’s a good start and we just all need to push on now and keep working hard.”
It had been a momentous cup run, and the whole club are extremely proud of what the group has achieved.