A GENERALLY youthful and inexperienced Oxford United side were no match for local rivals Swindon Town and lost 2-0 in yesterday's Avon Insurance Combination match at the Manor Ground.

The visitors, who included six players with Nationwide League experience, soon took control.

However, solid defending - notably by first team coach Mickey Lewis and Jon Shepheard - kept them out until the 38th minute when Charlie Griffin scored from close range.

United striker Kevin Francis continued his comeback by bringing a full-length save out of Steve Mildenhall, while Ben Abbey fired just over the bar.

Andre Arendse made good saves from Griffin and Lee Collins with his legs. But in the last minute he was caught out of position by Ty Gooden whose cross-cum-shot went over his outstretched arms and into the net.

Oxford Utd Res: Arendse, Ricketts, King, Spence, Lewis, Shepheard, Whitehead, Brennan (Ciampoli 86), Francis (Hamp 80), Abbey, Brooks. Subs not used: Lovegrove, Costelloe.

Attendance: 76.

Story date: Thursday 09 December

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