Oxford United's under 18s started their Football League Youth Alliance campaign with a thumping 11-1 win over Cheltenham Town this morning.
United were dominant from the off, but it took 20 minutes before Callum Crook opened the scoring. That opened the floodgates and two minutes later captain Tyler Goodrham added a second. Adam Smith added a third on 37 to give Oxford a 3-0 half-time lead.
Ten minutes into the second period Crook scored his second and shortly afterwards Goodrham bagged another. Cheltenham pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, but it didn't take United long to restore their five-goal advantage through substitute Elijah Coe.
It was really a question of how many United would score and they were aided by a three-minute hat-trick from a trialist who only came on at half time. With the score at 9-1, Goodrham completed his hat-trick and Crook wasn't far behind, completing the scoring with his third in the final minutes.
A great start to the new season for the young Yellows, and Academy Manager Dan Harris was quick to praise the boys. "The lads were excellent," he said. "It's been a tough six months and there are still plenty of challenges ahead, but I'm pleased for all involved."
Brearey, Watt, Masters, Golding, Johnson, Gardener, Anifowose (Coe 65), Goodrham (c), Smith, Crook, Owens (Trialist 46). Subs: Niemczycki, Franklin, O’Donkor