A Mubarak Abolade goal was enough for Oxford United to pick up all three points in against Colchester United in the PDL Cup.
Despite the three points, unfortunately results did not go Oxford’s way, resulting in the Under-18s exiting the Cup in the group stages.
A young side arrived in Colchester for Oxford, with six under-16s being involved in the squad.
The inexperience didn’t show for the Yellows, with an even start to the game.
The first half came to a close without any notable chances, setting up an intriguing second half, with both sides having to win to have a chance of progressing to the next round.
Both sides brought more attacking presence to the second half and within ten minutes, both had strikes smashing the crossbar.
Following scoring the winner against Watford, Abolade again found the back of the net to make it 1-0 in the 61st minute. Maeson Vaughan did excellently down the wing, beating his man before putting it on a plate for Abolade, who finished for the all-important opening goal.
The last third of the game turned scrappy, with Colchester trying to find a way to get past a formidable Oxford defence.
Their efforts did however lead to a second yellow for Calum Doyle, leaving United with ten men for the final few minutes.
What felt like a massive win for Oxford, unfortunately turned bittersweet as the Luton result did not go our way. Due to the setup of the PDL Cup, United's Cup run came to an end, finishing second in the group.
Oxford United: Jones, Gardner, Osborne, Collins, Frederick (Kiriisa 63’), Doyle, M. Vaughan (Andrews 90+4’), Palmer-Flynn, Purcell, H. Vaughan, Abolade
Unused subs: Jackson, Payne, Dickinson-Annell
