Oxford United Under-18s had to settle for a 0-0 draw this weekend against Sutton United at the Training Centre.
The Under-18s got their first point of the season on Saturday in an improved performance against a determined Sutton side, however neither team could find the back of the net, and despite many chances at both ends, the game ended in a goalless draw.
Niall Keown named another young side on Saturday as the squad continues to battle against an extensive injury list. Calum Doyle returned to the side after his suspension and with that took the captains armband.
The visitors got things underway and started on the front foot, forcing an early save from Will Jackson, who went on to make several crucial saves in the ninety.
Sutton got their best couple of chances just after the half hour mark, but once again were denied by a fine bit of keeping from Will Jackson in net.
It was a challenging first 45 for Oxford, but thanks to a resolute performance from the back line, United went into the break unscathed.
The second half brought the better side of the U’s out, with Mubarak Abolade bringing the game to life and causing all kinds of problems on the wing.
The best chance of the game for Oxford came in the 70th minute with Mubarak once again beating his man on the wing and doing all the hard work before blazing his effort over the bar.
Both sides continued to search for an opener with United coming close to stealing all three points in added time but were denied only by the post from another Mubarak effort.
The points were shared in Oxford, with the Young U’s displaying an improved performance from last week as they now prepare for Northampton at home next weekend.
United: Jackson, Payne, Blackmore, Collins, Trialist, Doyle, Abolade, Appiah, Dourish (M. Vaughan 74’), Andrews (H. Vaughan 74’), Purcell
Unused subs: Osborne, Clayton
