Oxford United Under 18s beat Torquay United 6-1
Chris Allen’s under 18 side enjoyed a superb 6-1 win over Torquay United this afternoon. United’s youth team, currently top of the table, romped to an impressive victory thanks to goals from Sam Humphreys, AJ George, Freddie Grant, James Clarke and two from James Roberts.
The young yellows were grateful to keeper Josh Hill for two excellent saves in the first ten minutes but then took the lead with a well-worked goal. Striker Jamie Calvin slipped a clever ball into the left channel for Humphreys to run clear of the defence. His shot proved too accurate for the visiting keeper who could only palm the ball into the net as United made it 1-0 after 13 minutes. .
Top scorer Roberts then went close with two efforts, the first scrambled away from right on the line and the second a well struck shot that flashed just wide of the mark after 20 minutes. United were not to be denied for long though and on 26 it was 2-0 as the elusive Greg Hackett set off on another good run and crossed for midfielder George to control the ball with his first touch and steer it past the keeper to make it 2-0.
On 31 it was 3-0 as skipper Grant stole in for a well worked goal. Quick thinking from Humphreys with a throw near the corner flag allowed the United left-back to storm into the box and burst through a weak looking challenge from a defender. Grant then drove a low right footed effort between the keeper and the near post.
Torquay, had no hiding place despite playing in shocking fluorescent pink shirts and on 41 should have been 4-0 down as Humphreys again ran on to a Calvin flick and was upended inside the box. The winger picked himself up but his penalty was well saved down to the keeper’s left.
To their credit Torquay didn’t give the game up and on 49 minutes were briefly back in it at 3-1 as they scored from 12 yards, but the revival was short-lived and on 56 United were 4-1 up. Roberts raced clear, touched round the keeper and was tripped. United’s leading marksman assumed responsibility and planted the penalty beyond the keeper to restore the three goal advantage.
Grant planted two shots over the bar, Roberts forced a good save from the keeper, Calvin powered one over the top and United continued to play eye-catching passing football. With eight minutes to go they got the fifth goal that they had deserved as George threaded the ball through a tired Torquay back four and Roberts instantly swivelled to ping the ball into the top corner from fifteen yards out.
Torquay were beaten and in the very last minute United made it 6-1 as right back Clarke powered into the box and smashed an unstoppable effort beyond the keeper. A fine goal to cap a fine performance.
United
Hill, Clarke, Trialist, A Grant, F Grant, Hackett, George, Trialist (Watts 46), Humphreys (Hayden 72), Calvin (Conte 72), Roberts