Young U's beaten at Southampton
Oxford United’s Development side were beaten 2-1 at Southampton this afternoon despite Josh Ruffels scoring in a spirited team performance.
The U’s fielded a very young side, including two trialists, and had Benji Buchel making his debut in goal. The Liechtenstein international showed his potential by saving a penalty from England international Jay Rodriguez, although he was unable to prevent Rodriguez following up to make it 1-0.
United then levelled with a neat goal that saw a passing move end with Ruffels firing home from the edge of the box to make it 1-1.
However, within a minute the Saints were 2-1 in front when Spanish international Juanmi, a £5m signing from Malaga, fired in a shot that looped over Buchel via a deflection.
The U’s created chances at the other end but could not find their way past an experienced Saints side, although Coach Derek Fazackerley was very pleased with the team’s effort:
“It was a very strong performance. Southampton had five first team players and five of their under 21s so it was always going to be a tough game but we played some good stuff, especially in the second half, and did have opportunities to score more goals. The central pair of Josh Ruffels and John Lundstram were both very good but everyone worked for each other and did well.”
United
Buchel, Hawtin, Cundy, Trialist, Grant, Ashby, Ruffels, Lundstram, Trialist, Hoban, Roberts