Les Taylor says Oxford United's superb 2-1 extra-time win over AFC Bournemouth in the FA Youth Cup at Court Place Farm on Wednesday night is a great boost for the club's youth development team.
Two goals from Alex Fisher (pictured in action against Rushden) sent United through to a second-round tie away to Stevenage Borough in a fortnight's time after the Hertfordshire team beat Enfield Town 5-1.
United fell behind to a sloppy goal, but kept pushing for an equaliser and Fisher got it with a header five minutes into stoppage time.
The 17-year-old striker, who has been coming off the bench in recent first-team games, then scored the winner in the third minute of extra time.
Youth development officer Taylor said: "The boys definitely deserved it and when it got close to full time we were all thinking it would have bee a travesty if they had lost.
"For them to equalise in the 95th minute and then go on to win it in extra time was a great performance and they showed great character.
"To be honest, once they had got that equaliser, there was only going to be one winner in extra time."
United had a 15-year-old, Henry Owen, in their starting line-up, and by the finish there were two more Under 16s.
Youth team manager Mickey Lewis was delighted with the performance. "We played some good football and it was no more than we deserved," he said."It was a really good game and had a bit of everything, with the drama of the late goal.
"I was pleased with the free-kick equaliser. With 20 seconds to go, we obviously sent everyone up but then took it quickly, and it was a nice goal."
Taylor added: "You have to remember, we are a non-League club so to beat someone like Bournemouth is a great scalp for the kids, and I'm pleased for them."
This was United's fourth game in the competition - and they generally don't manage to get that far.
"Sometimes when we have play in the FA Youth Cup - and they're big games for the kids - they have frozen," Taylor admitted.
"A result like this gives a lift to everyone involved in youth development at the club. If we can get past Stevenage that would be a tremendous feat."
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