Oxford United U17s completed a remarkable comeback in Bournemouth yesterday to top their PDL Cup group and progress to the round of 16.
The Cherries opened the scoring with the first chance of the game. They then doubled their lead just 21 minutes into the contest. The U’s were able to grab one back before the break through Leo Snowden.
The momentum changed in the second half, with Oxford piling on the pressure and Snowden equalising in the 53rd minute. The game didn’t stay level for long as the hosts regained their lead against the run of play just six minutes later. United equalised once again through substitute Mo Missanga in the 81st minute. The amazing comeback was completed with Jack Lee scoring in the 86th minute and again from the penalty spot five minutes later to complete the scoring.
Both sides came into the game unbeaten, with the hosts already confirming their spot in the round of 16. However, Oxford knew that they would need all three points to guarantee their place in the next round.
The Cherries started on the front foot, finding the opener of the game just nine minutes in with their first opportunity of the contest. The U’s replied with a couple of chances, however neither gave the Bournemouth keeper any trouble.
The hosts then made it 2-0 just 21 minutes in with a ball over the top not dealt with by the Oxford defence and the chances of qualifying were slowly slipping away.
The Yellows eventually got into their groove, creating a few notable chances, and were giving the Bournemouth defence a lot to think about. Their goal finally came in the 39th minute, with heading home from a corner, taking a big deflection before finding the back of the net.
The second half started with United gaining control of the game, creating chances for fun. Griffiths came close after wriggling through the hosts' defence, before Snowden put in a dangerous delivery that beat everyone. The pressure was clearly building, and the goal deservedly came in the 53rd minute with Snowden getting the equaliser after Griffiths put him through, giving the keeper no chance.
Unfortunately for the U’s, they couldn’t stay level for long and the Cherries regained their lead just six minutes later with a cross that was met at the back post.
The next goal eventually came in the 81st minute, with Missanga having an instant impact off the bench, finishing off a good move beautifully and opening up the game for an interesting final 10 minutes.
Lee then completed what seemed like an impossible comeback, giving the U’s the lead for the first time, after being 2-0 and 3-2 down. A well-timed ball from Snowden put Lee through on goal and he finished calmly to fire Oxford 4-3 ahead.
United were then able to add a cherry on top in stoppage time, with Missanga winning a penalty after some good footwork. Lee stepped up and gave the keeper no chance, sending him the wrong way and sending the U’s to the top of the table and into the round of 16.
The U17s finish their group unbeaten, with seven points from their three games.
UNITED: Jackson, Gardner, Blackmore (Osborne 68), Griffith, Cramond, Doyle, Abolade (Missanga 65), Holton (Palmer-Flynn 84), Griffiths, Snowden
Unused subs: Appiah, Dourish