Oxford United U18s finished the Youth Alliance League in style with a 7-1 win over Plymouth Argyle.
In the final match this group of U18s will play together, a controlled first-half performance with goals from Nico Jones, Tyler Goodrham and Jack Stevens was followed by a dominant second-half display with four goals in six minutes in the second half.
United took control of the game early on, with Jones going close from a corner. The defender only needed a second opportunity to give the U's the lead as he latched onto Elechi's cross to volley in the opener.
The youngsters were back to their usual best and doubled their lead shortly after. A terrific move from the U's saw Lopes with space down the left. He found Stevens who in turn played in Goodrham. The lively winger checked onto his left foot and curled in from 18 yards to make it 2-0.
United were dominant in possession throughout and made it three before 25 minutes. Goodrham's cross was met by Stevens who headed powerfully home to put the U's firmly in control at half time, and a terrific response after a tough week for the U18s.
United remained in control in the second half but chances evaded them in the opening exchanges. However, a spell of five goals in six minutes followed as the goals flew in at the training ground. Goodrham volleyed in on 69 minutes before Spasov grabbed his first since returning a minute later. From kick-off, United regained possession and Lopes made it 6-0 on 71 minutes.
Plymouth grabbed a goal back before the six-goal advantage was restored a minute later through Leon Chambers-Parillon to make it 7-1 and conclude a frantic few minutes. United stood strong and finished the Youth Alliance League in style, seeing them finish second after a very positive campaign.
UNITED: Evans, Grant (Johnson), Milton, Jones, Elechi, Sole (Gardner), Chambers-Parillon, Stevens, Goodrham (Crook), Edwards (Spasov), Lopes
Unused sub: Niemczycki