Oxford United's Under 18s continued their strong start to pre-season with a 2-1 win over North Leigh tonight.
A double from a trialist, including a fantastic freekick just before half time, secured the win for the youth side.
The first half was a physical contest as the young U's adjusted to playing against a steep slope at Eynsham Park.
The U's fought hard to move the ball up the pitch but worked the first opportunity through Tyler Goodrham. The wide midfielder met a cross on the volley and his strike was deflected wide.
North Leigh's main outlet was their aerial threat from set pieces and they went close midway through the first half. A corner was met by a North Leigh forward in the area and following a scramble the ball was cleared off the line.
The young U's grew in confidence towards the end of the first half and their patience was rewarded on the stroke of half time. After winning a freekick, the trialist stepped up and curled his effort round the wall and into the corner to give the U's the lead.
United doubled their lead shortly after the break through the same man again. After good work from Jordan Edwards, the trialist received the ball, turned past his man and fired low into the bottom corner.
The game returned to its frantic pace but the U's continued to get the ball down and play when the opportunity arrived.
North Leigh almost got themselves back into the game on 65' as a forward broke through on goal. Max Evans made himself big but the striker's chipped effort beat the U's stopper and clipped the underside of the bar.
Soon after North Leigh grabbed the goal they threatened. A loose ball in the area was met by a North Leigh forward who finished low into the corner
As full time approached Jordan Edwards made space for himself in the area. His shot on the turn was deflected just wide as the U's pushed for third.
The U's ran out 2-1 winners as pre-season continues to be positive for the Academy sides.
United: Max Evans, Trey Grant, Trialist, Keanu Barnett-Grant, Trialist, Leon Chambers-Parillon, Jack Gardner, Trialist, Tyler Goodrham, Jordan Edwards, Trialist