Oxford United U18s made the trip to London this weekend as they came up against an unbeaten Sutton side. A few changes were made to the XI that were defeated by Swindon, with the most notable being goalkeeper Ajae Patel returning to the side for the first time in seven months after a long-term injury.
Sutton got us underway, and it didn’t take long for the hosts to grab the opener, with a good cross from the right-hand side being met with a well taken finish, giving Patel no chance.
The opener gave the hosts confidence, and they were able to dominate the first few exchanges, keeping the Yellows in their own half for the first 15-20 minutes. The U’s eventually grew into the game, with Mo Missanga creating the first couple of chances, but they were unable to really test the young Sutton goalkeeper.
The U18s headed into the break after an underwhelming first 45 and knew they would have to improve to get anything out of the game.
The second half got underway and only 12 minutes in, United were given a chance to really take the game to the hosts with Sutton’s number 8 picking up his second yellow card.
Being a player up, Oxford were able to make the most of the advantage and just three minutes later, Jack Lee had a golden opportunity to get the equaliser, however, he was denied by a strong save from the Sutton keeper.
The Yellows made a double change and suddenly the tempo of the game intensified. It took a while, but eventually the all-important equaliser came with another set-piece link up between Denis Travin and Aaron Lacey, with the latter being able to head the U's level 74 minutes in.
The game then opened up completely and became end-to-end, with chances flying at either end for the last 15 minutes. The first chance fell to Jack Lee, who came inches away from grabbing the lead. The Yellows then thought they had the winner and all three points with substitute Charlie Cramond heading home, however the goal was disallowed for offside, despite confusion between the referee and his assistant.
The hosts were also giving it their all to try and find a winner, despite being a man down, and came incredibly close on a couple of occasions in injury time. However, neither team were able to find the back of the net and the action packed contest ended with the points being shared.
United: Patel, Mole, Travin, Bangurah (Cramond 45), Lacey, Doyle (Holton 68), Missanga (Burton 68), Bradney, Lee, Griffiths, Abolade (Palmer-Flynn 90+4)
Unused sub: Jackson
