Oxford United’s Under 18s were beaten 3-1 by Plymouth Argyle on Saturday morning at the Bangkok Glass Training Centre in the Youth Alliance League.
Trailing 1-0 at the break United conceded early in the second half before winger Amari Davis-Stephenson got them back into the game. However, a third goal from the visitors sealed the win and left Coach Chris Hackett to reflect:
“It wasn’t a great performance and we just gave the lads a gentle reminder that we have set high standards over the last few years and we always have to try and aspire to that. We were a bit sloppy in the first half but were still in it. Then we conceded just a few seconds into the second half and suddenly the game becomes more difficult.
“We made a conscious decision to get the second years some games on loan at senior clubs - Clinton Nosakhare played his first game at Biggleswade on Saturday. That means the first years will get more game time and it was one of them, Amari, who got our goal and got us back into it. But then we concede a third and again give ourselves too much to do.
“Plymouth are a good side, so no argument about the scoreline. But we need to learn lessons, and hopefully one or two of the lads play in the Senior Cup at Kidlington on Wednesday and show a positive reaction.”
United
Brearey, Sankoh, Zabeli, Giles, Gerard (Franklin), Took-Oxley, Anifowose, Coe (Tiamuna), Smith (Trialist), O’Donkor, Davis- Stephenson