Oxford United Academy came from a goal behind to draw 1-1 with Motherwell today, concluding their pre-season tour of Scotland.
The game, played at the brilliant Inverclyde Sports Facility in Largs where the U's were based for the week, was an intense affair from the off. Ryan Crooks had the first opportunity of the match within the opening five minutes from a free kick. His effort though was deflected just over.
The U's fell behind shortly after as a Motherwell forward worked the ball into the area before rifling past U's stopper Max Evans in off the bar
There was almost an instant reply from Crooks who found space for himself in the area a minute later but couldn't keep his effort down quite enough and saw his left-footed strike cannon off the bar.
The U's responded well from the set back and grew into the game. The impressive Crooks levelled the game just before the 40 minute mark with a half-volley at the back post.
Early in the second half the U's almost took the lead through a trialist who capitalised on a poor touch from the Motherwell goalkeeper. The attempted clearance hit the trialist five yards from goal and somehow deflected just wide.
Oxford were on top in the second half after bringing on plenty of substitutions. Callum Crook came closest with a looping header that clipped the top of the crossbar.
It was an incredibly positive performance against a good Motherwell side and was an excellent end to a brilliant five days in Scotland.
UNITED
Max Evans, Yoav Sade, Trialist A, Keanu Barnett-Grant, Trialist B, Leon Chambers-Parillon, Jack Stevens, Tyler Goodrham, Trialist C, Jordan Edwards, Ryan Crooks