Oxford United U18s came from behind to get a point at home against Cheltenham town in difficult windy conditions on Tuesday.
The visitors took the lead towards the end of the first half with a deflected goal against the run of play, they then went on to double their lead just minutes after the second half kicked off. In very windy conditions, the U’s relied on fresh legs to get back into the game, with Louis Griffiths scoring a well worked goal just five minutes after coming on before Jack Lee levelled and the sides settled for a 2-2 draw.
It was the U’s who had the better start, gaining control of the game in the first half an hour, but struggled to find the breakthrough in the wind. There were some good passages of play with Lee coming the closest to giving united the lead, however it was the visitors who went ahead in the 41st minute through a heavy deflection that left Monty Marriott stranded.
The Robins were quick to make their mark in the second half and just three minutes in, doubled their lead through an unlucky own goal.
The U’s made two changes to try and change the course of the game and that they did, Griffiths and Josh Holton came on and made an instant impact. Just five minutes after coming on, Griffiths made it 2-1 after a great run from Kasway Burton down the right-hand side, who cut it back to Griffiths and he smashed it into the back of the net.
Cheltenham then came close to reinstating their two-goal lead but saw goals disallowed and had a couple of efforts go just wide of the post.
The game became very stretched, and it was the U’s who took advantage, grabbing an all-important equaliser in the 77th minute. Lee grabbed another big goal as he finished a rebound after his initial attempt was saved by the Cheltenham keeper.
The Yellows continued to create chances towards the end of the game, forcing a couple of strong saves by the keeper, especially when Denis Travin smashed his effort goalward, but was denied by a good save.
Neither side could find a third and the points were shared in a thriller at the Bangkok Glass Training Centre.
United
Marriott, Bangurah, Mole, Brenan, Lacey, Took-Oxley (C) (Holton 54), Burton, Missanga (Griffiths 54), Lee, Bradney, Travin
Unused subs
Blackmore, Palmer-Flynn, Abolade
Report by Ollie Chevallier