Oxford United's Under 18s built on their FA Youth Cup success in midweek with a 3-1 win over Newport in the EFL Youth Alliance this morning.
An Elijah Coe penalty followed up by two goals for striker Gatlin O’Donkor sealed the points for United.
United took the lead after 12 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. O’Donkor appeared to be tripped but stayed on his feet but the referee still gave the spot kick and
Coe stepped up and buried his penalty into the corner even with the keeper going the right way.
The game turned scrappy although United did miss chances to double their lead through Josh Anifowose and Adam Smith who both went close. And that was costly when Newport levelled the game with a superb, lobbed finish from 25 yards which found its way past Eddie Brearey oi his return to the side after injury
United restored their lead when Anifowsoe drove into the box and squeezed the ball to O’Donkor who finished calmly. Coe then went close to getting his second before half time but had an effort well blocked.
United continued to press forward looking for the third goal after the break. Smith went close, twice drawing saves from the keeper and O’Donkor had a shot on the turn but his effort curled just wide of the far post.
United did get their third when O’Donkor headed in from close range after Smith’s effort rebounded back off the post to the striker.
A good win and United keep the pressure up on the leaders.
UNITED
Brearey, Watt, Golding, Zabeli, Sankoh, Masters, Johnson, Anifowose (Tiamuna 66), Coe (Davis-Stephenson 73), O’Donkor, Smith.