Oxford United U18s beat last year's Merit League Champions Luton Town U18s 4-2 in a thrilling game at the Bangkok Glass Training Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Josh Holton and Jack Lee gave united a two-goal lead at the break, before captain Zaide Took-Oxley made it three early on in the second half. The Hatters replied quickly making it 3-1. Louis Griffiths then reinstated the three-goal lead, before Luton then got back into the game, despite having a penalty saved by Monty Marriott a minute before.
Luton Town came into the game on the back of an impressive 4-1 win against Swindon and a three-game win streak, however, were unable to get any momentum going early on.
The U’s started really well, keeping the Hatters in their own half and not letting the Premier League side settle in. The first of 4 goals for the Yellows then came in the 17th minute with Holton giving the U’s a well-deserved lead after good link up play with Griffiths.
Lee then came close to doubling the lead as his effort smashed into the post.
The U’s kept on creating chances and stayed in control of the game, leading to a poor pass from the Luton goalkeeper that found Lee, who calmly finished the opportunity, putting Oxford 2-0 up after 34 minutes.
The Hatters started the second half much better than they finished the first, starting to gain momentum, however it was a determined solo run from captain Took-Oxley who made it three in the 51st minute.
Luton then replied a minute later making it 3-1 and giving them a chance to get back into the game. United’s three-goal lead was quickly reinstated as Holton found Griffiths in open space, who beautifully finished the ball into the corner of the goal, giving the keeper no chance and making it 4-1.
Luton were then given a chance to get back into the game from the spot in the 69th minute after a soft penalty decision. The chance, however, was wasted as Marriott made a quality save to his left and kept the U’s commanding lead. Luton did, however, end up taking their chance a minute later, making it 4-2 and getting them back into the game.
The last 20 minutes were full of chances and led to a scrappy finish, but ultimately it was United who came away with an important three points against a tough opposition.
Coach Pablo Haysham said:
“A good result today against a top side, we started much better today and were really good in the first half, we took our chances well and played some really good football throughout. They came out fighting in the second half, but we scored at important times and made sure that we didn’t let them get a grip of the game.
"It was great to see so many young players step up today and prove themselves in the fashion that they did. It’s a good start to the league and we’ll look to carry on this form as we travel to Wimbledon next week.”