Oxford United Under-18s eight match unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Exeter City.
A first half goal from the Grecians was enough to beat a young Oxford side that struggled to really test the Exeter defence.
After the heroics of the FA Youth Cup in the previous week, the Young U’s went to Exeter looking to continue their outstanding form in the league.
A young squad made the long trip down to the South-West, with a number of core players not being involved in the matchday squad.
Oxford started on the front foot, creating the first chance and probably their best chance of the game in the 20th minute. The Exeter keeper was forced into making an excellent double save to deny both Maeson Vaughan and Tyler Andrews from point blank range.
The hosts broke the deadlock just four minutes before the break, with a well taken strike from outside the box to give them a 1-0 lead at half time.
It was a more inspired start to the second half for United, who looked to get back level.
Oxford managed to dominate the proceedings, however struggled to create much in the final third.
A few opportunities arose for United, but with no clear-cut chances, it was the hosts who picked up all three points.
Oxford will be looking to bounce back, with a couple of important league fixtures, before heading into the all-important FA Youth Cup match against Manchester United on Wednesday 18 February.
Oxford United: Jackson, Palmer-Flynn, Osborne, Cramond (Payne 70’), Gardner, Doyle, M. Vaughan, H. Vaughan, Purcell, Andrews (Dickinson-Annell 83’), Kiriisa
Unused subs: Jones, Yang