Oxford United’s under 18s had a frustrating afternoon on Saturday when a last minute goal denied them a win at Southend.
Leading 2-1 through goals from Nathan Baker and Dejon Noel-Williams the young U’s were forced to settle for a draw despite playing some excellent football.
United got off to the ideal start with a goal in the fourth minute when skipper James Cowan put in a good cross which Baker got to first and when the ball wasn’t cleared the defender smashed in to the net to make it 1-0.
United built from that and created chances but three minutes before half time were level at 1-1 when a ball to the back post was headed back across goal and bundled over the line to make it 1-1 at the break.
The second half saw United regain the lead on 71 minutes when influential midfielder Aaron Heap worked the ball forward for striker Noel-Williams who did well to take the ball from behind him, turn to his left and strike it into the corner from 18 yards.
That looked like being the winner until the 90th minute when a throw in on United’s left resulted in a good run and cross where Southend were first to the ball and beat keeper Max Harris to make it 2-2.
See coach Leon Blackmore Such’s reaction above
United
Harris, Berry-Hargreaves, Trialist, Baker, Carr, Heap, Cowan, Hopkins, Lofthouse (Mannings 84), Noel-Williams, James