Development Squad Draw with Nike Academy

United started on the front foot and with 10 minutes gone George Jeacock had already tested the Nike goalkeeper twice. However, Oxford then allowed the Academy side back into the game as their usual good passing deserted them and on 36 minutes the U's found themselves a goal down after giving the ball away in defence, allowing the visiting striker the space to get a shot away from inside the penalty area. Nike continued to press and just before the break Canice Carroll headed clear from on the goalline as the visitors threatened to extend their lead.

Oxford resumed their good play after the break and Jonny Giles was unlucky when his dipping shot was well saved by the Academy keeper. The visitors then extended their lead on the hour mark when a low cross from the right was converted from six yards, goalkeeper Manny Agboola having no chance.

This signalled the start of some intense pressure by United and on 72 they pulled a goal back following an excellent driving run down the left wing from Sam Humphreys. His cross was met by AJ George, who controlled the ball before finishing neatly into the bottom corner.

Humphreys should have levelled the scores on 80 when he was found in the area by AJ, but he took too long to get his shot away and a covering defender headed off the line. However, two minutes later Oxford got the goal their second-half display deserved when Carroll's perfectly weighted ball over the top was met by substitute Jordan Graham, who round the keeper before slotting home.

The game ended on a downbeat note when George and the Nike keeper collided when contesting a 50-50 ball, leaving both players requiring treatment. The Nike keeper had to be carried off after lengthy treatment. We hope that he makes a full recovery.

United: Agboola, Triallist, Cundy, Carroll, Grant, Humphreys, Hawtin, Hayden (Humphries), Giles (Graham 73), George, Jeacock