Chris Allen's under 18s enjoy friendly victory
United’s under 18s enjoyed a fine 2-1 win over Premier League Crystal Palace this afternoon at the Oxford Sports and Social Ground.Without a league game this weekend Chris Allen’s side took on the Eagles in a friendly that was competitive throughout.
The sides exchanged early efforts before a fine move after 14 minutes saw Luke Hastings free Jordan Graham who rounded the keeper to make it 1-0 to the U’s.
They might have doubled their lead after dominating much of the first half, Robbie Cundy planting a header just wide from a free kick on 42 minutes but Palace came back at them in a very entertaining second half.
Midfielder Ben Cook saw a shot well saved and newly-signed striker Josh Williams saw two well struck efforts go just wide although United were indebted to keeper Eddie Cavanagh for a string of fine saves including a magnificent one-handed effort on 78 that kept his side in front.
Cundy made a brave block moments later but Palace kept pushing for an equaliser and finally found it on 85 as the ball was flicked home at the near post to make it 1-1.
United showed character to hit back immediately and a minute later won the game when a foul on Williams led to a free kick on the edge of the box which Graham curled round the wall and into the net to make it 2-1 and seal an excellent win.
United
Cavanagh, Hawtin, McCormack, Cundy, Balogun (Pearson 85), Cook (Aikins-Hawkson 60), Hayden, Graham, Conte (Jones 70), Hastings, Williams