Young Bulls lose at Oxford

Hereford United's Youth Team played their penultimate league cup match inside the running track where Roger Bannister ran the first sub four minute mile at Oxford University. Their opponents Oxford United had beaten the youngsters in the opening league game of the season 3-1.

Within three minutes of the start both physio’s were called into action with a clash of heads between a player from each side. This stoppage caused the Bulls to lose concentration because from the restart of the game the home side quickly transferred the ball into the area and scored the opening goal. The home side continued to feed their powerful strikers and quickly support them giving us little chance to create any forward momentum. The Bulls first shot at goal came in the 39 minute of the half when a fine interception by full back Jak Lewis saw him race down the wing and cross for Chris Freddi to have his goal bound shot blocked away for a corner.

The second period saw the Bulls leak another goal in the 52 minute. A change of personnel in the 63 minute with the introduction of Joe Loftus started the best part of the match with the Bulls much more on the offensive. Jimmy Moreton had a header saved from a Chris Freddi cross and on the 70th minute mark a Joel Edwards free kick just went over the cross bar. Hereford turned their pressure into a goal on the 72 minute when Jimmy Moreton fired in a Lewis cross. They then pushed hard for the equaliser and after a fine cross field run by Moreton, Tyler Weir was unable to match the quality of pass to the run. Weir then fired over from the edge of the area.

The game was finally settled ten minutes from time when the lively home winger struck the third.

Once again the young Bulls have showed the ability to compete at this level but still need to be consistent for 90 minutes.

Final Score: Oxford Youth 3 Hereford United Youth 1

Team: Brewer, Lewis, Edwards, Price, Stubbs, Brimble (Loftus 63) Moreton, Cartwright (Hyde 85) Freddi (Evans N 85) Weir, Evans M

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