Oxford Utd Res 1, Norwich Res 0: Mark De Bolla marked an impressive debut with an 87th-minute goal as Oxford United's second string gained a deserved victory at Court Place Farm yesterday.
De Bolla, on trial from Charlton, looked lively and kept a cool head to fire home the winner from a mazy Chris Hackett run with just three minutes left to snatch victory in the Avon Insurance Combination clash.
United dominated throughout, despite coming up against Iwan Roberts, Phil Mulryne, David Nielson, Alex Notman and Neil Emblen - all first team regulars at Carrow Road.
De Bolla fired wide after a sharp turn in the first half, with Dean Whitehead and Hackett both keeping Norwich keeper Paul Crichton busy.
After the break, the only criticism of United was that they didn't really test Crichton with their numerous shots.
However, De Bolla's late strike left Crichton with no chance.
David Oldfield came through the 90 minutes unscathed after a hamstring injury, while Whitehead was taken off after suffering a nasty gash to his shin, but is expected to be fit for the first-team game at home to Kidderminster on Saturday.
Jefferson Louis played the entire match at centre back.
Oxford Utd Res: Cox, Louis, King, Whitehead (Alexis 58), Hunter, Ciampoli (Brandish 83), Hackett, Omoyinmi (Blackstock 58), De Bolla, Oldfield, Powell. Subs (not used): Mackay, Carbon.
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