Top-of-the-table Argyle beat Under-18s by a single goal
United's under-18 side were left ruing missed chances on Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by league leaders Plymouth Argyle at Northcourt Road.Oxford dominated the first half, with Jordan Graham, Luke Hastings and Lewis Hayden all creating presentable chances, while Plymouth had to wait until just before half-time before giving Jack Stevens something to think about.
However, despite playing some neat football in difficult windy conditions, United were unable to turn their possession into goals and they went into the break on level terms.
The second half started in similar fashion, with the U's having most of the attacking intent, but disaster struck in the 52nd minute when Plymouth were awarded a hotly disputed throw in. Oxford switched off briefly as the ball was thrown into the United area and with Stevens rushing out the visiting striker lifted the ball over him and into the net to give Argyle the lead.
United took the game to Plymouth in search of an equaliser but were indebted to Stevens in the 83rd minute when he made a point-blank save to prevent the Devon side from increasing their lead.
The game was played in good spirit but in stoppage time the Plymouth left-back was dismissed for a second yellow card after kicking the ball away as United won a free kick. Oxford were unable to profit and Argyle took the points back to the south-west.
United: Stevens, Ricketts, Hayden, McCormack, Tuttle, James (Deacon 60), Humphries, Baptiste, Graham, Napa, Hastings