Oxford United Under-21s finished a remarkable Central League campaign by beating Mansfield Town 3-0, to put them within touching distance of the title.
Three first half goals from Richard McIntyre, Kaya Halil and Mo Missanga were enough for Oxford to cruise to a dominant victory over the Stags.
A game which had all the build-up and a lot on the line lived up to its expectations for United.
The Young U’s got off to a flying start, with McIntyre opening the scoring in the 21st minute. A tidy one-two with Josh Holton enabled the full-back to breach the Mansfield defence and fire into the back of the net.
Halil opened his Oxford account just nine minutes later. The midfielder's powerful strike gave the goalkeeper no chance and fired United into a two-goal lead.
United continued their attacking threat and, on the brink of half time, found their third. A strike from Harrison Bradney forced the keeper to parry the ball into the path of Missanga, who was able to bundle over the line and make it 3-0 going into the break.
The second half struggled to match the intensity of the first 45, with Oxford comfortable in possession and Mansfield failing to test Ajae Patel in goal.
A couple of chances came United’s way, however they settled for a 3-0 win, sealing an impressive undefeated season.
The win is their sixth in the league, alongside their two draws, which puts them in a firm position to be crowned champions.
The only team in their way is Wrexham who, having played just four games due to postponements, will need to win their remaining four matches to equal Oxford’s twenty points. In this case the title will be decided on goal difference.
Oxford United: Patel, Mole, McIntyre (Palmer-Flynn 70’), Collins, Cramond, Bradney, Dourish (Doyle 63’), Halil (Dourish 75’), Burton, Holton, Missanga
Unused sub: Jackson
