Oxford United U18s were dealt their heaviest defeat of the season away at Stevenage on Saturday in the Merit League.
It was very much a game of two halves; the first 45 was an even contest, with not much happening for either side, however in the second half, the game was completely turned on its head. The U’s started the half as the better side, creating three really good chances, but were denied by some excellent saves from the keeper and the hosts then ran away with it, scoring four in 12 minutes and then adding a fifth in the 80th.
Both sides came into the game on the back of draws and with the way the first half went, it looked like they would both continue that form. Not much happened at either end of the pitch and both teams headed into the changing rooms relatively happy with how things were going.
Both sides came out in the second half and completely changed the game with chances coming thick and fast at both ends of the pitch. It was the U’s who dominated the opening minutes of the half, coming close to taking the lead on three different occasions. Louis Griffiths was denied by a great save in the top right corner, followed by Kasway Burton causing all kinds of trouble, and finally the best save of the three to deny Jack Lee from a couple of yards out.
Harrison Mole then made a crucial block to deny a promising counterattack, however just a couple of minutes later in the 56th minute, the hosts took the lead after Aaron Lacey’s clearance fell to the Stevenage forward. The Boro didn’t hold back and doubled their lead just before the hour mark, making it 2-0 from a free kick.
Before anyone could catch their breath, more damage was dealt as they made it three from the penalty spot. The hosts continued their onslaught and made it 4-0 in the 68th minute, putting the game to bed and giving the U’s a lot to think about. To rub more salt in the wound, they went on to make it five in the 80th minute and made it an forgettable day for the Young U’s
Time to regroup and go again, as the U18s take on Swindon this Saturday in the local derby.
United
Marriot, Bangurah, Mole (C), Holton (Blackmore 70), Lacey, Bradney, Burton, Abolade (Doyle 59), Lee, Griffiths, Travin (Missanga 59)
Unused Subs
Duplessis, Crammond
Report by Ollie Chevallier
