Oxford United Under-18s got their first win of the season this weekend in a gritty 1-0 win over the Cobblers.
A Mubarak Abolade tap in was enough for Oxford to pick up all three points in a scrappy affair with Northampton.
Oxford came into this one on the back of their first point last weekend looking to build on the momentum and that they did just that.
Relentless pressing from the Oxford front three eventually got them what they deserved. Riley Dourish latched onto a mistimed pass from the keeper and squared it to Mubarak, who finished into an open net to get his second of the season.
The visitors consistently struggled to play out from the back and Oxford’s constant pressure nearly brought them a second with Kevin Appiah turning past three to get into the box, before finding Mo Missanga in space, however his shot was well blocked by the Northampton defender.
The first half came to an end and there wasn’t much to say about it apart from the goal, with both sides struggling to create any other notable chances.
The second forty-five got underway and within three minutes the best chance of the half came for Riley Dourish at the back post. Doyle flashed an effort across the box that fell to a stretching Riley, who’s effort blazed over the bar.
The Cobblers continued to fight for an equalizer, however any efforts were dealt with well by the United defence and Northampton failed to register a single shot on target in the ninety.
An important three points for Oxford means they make it four points from three games in the league as they head to Wimbledon next weekend.
Oxford United: Jackson, Payne, Blackmore, Trialist, Collins, Doyle, Abolade (M.Vaughan 58’), Appiah, Dourish, Holton (Andrews ’45), Missanga (Purcell 60’)
