Jeacock and Graham on target for under-18s
Oxford United's youth team won their second consecutive Merit League 2 fixture on Saturday, beating visitors Dagenham & Redbridge 3-2 at the Rover Sports Ground, Roman Way.United started the game well, pressing back Dagenham and having lots of possession. The first half was all Oxford, who stormed into a 3-0 lead before the break.
George Jeacock opened the scoring, shooting home from close range following a good move by the U's. He then scored his and Oxford's second with a header to make his tally six goals from three games since the Merit League season commenced after he was switched from the left wing to centre forward. Jordan Graham then completed United's scoring when he calmly slotted home with just the keeper to beat.
The second half wasn't as impressive for the youngsters, who allowed Dagenham to get back into the game. The visitors scored their second with time running out to set up a nervy last ten minutes for the U's, who held on for the three points.
Coach Leon Blackmore-Such told the website: "We had a good first half, when we created a lot and secured a big enough margin to win the game. We need a better mentality in the second half though, because Dagenham had obviously had a telling off at the break and came out fired up and we were unable to match their intensity."
United: Stevens, Balogun (Tuttle), Hawtin, Cook, Diaz-Benitez, McCormack, Hartley, Humphries, Jeacock (Dillion), Graham, Hastings