Hylton scores twice as U's beat Birmingham in friendly
The Oxford United development side enjoyed a 4-3 win over Birmingham City in a behind-closed-doors friendly this afternoon. An early goal from Callum O’Dowda, two from Danny Hylton and a Chey Dunkley strike gave the U’s the win in an entertaining encounter.
O’Dowda struck first, scoring from a one-on-one with the keeper after a Blues defender misjudged a through ball, and the lead became 2-0 when Hylton finished well after getting in behind the home defence.
Birmingham pulled a goal back before Dunkley guided home a set piece to make it 3-1. United were pegged back once more as City made it 3-2 after a defensive lapse before Hylton was brought down for a penalty. His spot kick was saved, along with Danny Rose’s follow up, but the rebound favoured Hylton who scored at the third attempt.
There was still time for Birmingham to score shortly afterwards and make it 4-3 and set up an exciting finale to a high-scoring game.
Chris Allen told us:
“It was probably a good game to watch and going forward we looked very strong. We maybe had even more chances than the scoreline suggests, but we also have to learn to be a bit more disciplined at the back because defensively we could have done a lot better.
“A good win and we’re pleased to be among the goals again, but the lesson will be to concentrate at the back and not concede soft goals to make the job even harder.”
United
Buchel, Long, Dunkley, Cundy, Evans, Rose, Ruffels, Ashby, O’Dowda (Giles 70), Hoban (Roberts 70), Hylton