Two goals from Kyran Lofthouse and a strike from new signing Jonte Smith earned Oxford United’s Under-23 side a 3-2 win over a young Crawley Town at the training ground.
Winger Lofthouse, who signed his first professional contract earlier in the season, netted in just the second minute to put the U’s ahead and then converted an Owen James cross just after the half hour to make it 2-0. United, fielding a side which mixed a number of their under 18s with under-23 players and trialists, also gave Smith, a deadline day signing from Lewes, a full 90 minutes and he looked lively throughout, capping his performance with a penalty early in the second half after Crawley had previously halved the deficit with a goal on the stroke of half time.
United preserved their 3-1 lead until the last five minutes, when a fine strike flew into the corner to make it 3-2. Chris Allen told us:
“It was difficult in very windy conditions but we used them well in the first half and then adapted after the break. We made a number of chances: Jonte hit the bar as well as scoring his penalty and overall we were pleased with the way we played.
“It was a chance to give players a game and a decent warm up for next week when we play Hull City at Thame on Tuesday in the Premier League Cup.”
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