Oxford United's under 23s were 2-0 winners in a behind closed doors friendly against Wolves at the training ground this afternoon. A header from Kyran Lofthouse and a goal from a trialist sealed an encouarging win for Chris Allen's youngsters who included a number of first team player looking to gain match sharpness.
Rob Hall played 60 minutes while Anthony Forde made his debut in yellow looking sharp on the right wing. Neither side fashioned any chances in the opening ten minutes in blustery conditions, but plenty of nice football was on show as both sides grew into the tempo of the game.
Jack Stevens made three fantastic saves in the first half to keep Wolves at bay; first called into action midway through the first half as a Wolves winger burst into the area. His curling shot was struck well to force a fantastic save from the United keeper.
Forde made a chance for himself after giving chase to a poor touch which looked to be rolling out. He beat his marker to the ball on the byline and tricked his way into the area but his shot was blocked.
Wolves went close again from a freekick which dipped and curled in the wind, but Stevens was on hand to parry the effort away well.
In the second half Lofthouse grabbed the opener when the forward latched onto a cross and flicked a header past the Wolves keeper to break the deadlock.
United made it two shortly after when the trialist rolled the ball home following a defensive mix up to double United's advantage. It was a competitive match as several senior players earned valuable minutes against a young Wolves side.
Report by Liam Potter