JOSH Ashby praised Oxford United’s young side after he gave Oxford City victory in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final at his former club’s expense.

The midfielder scored midway through the second half to secure a 2-1 win for the Vanarama National League South outfit at Court Place Farm.

City went behind to Tyler Goodrham’s seventh-minute strike, but Joe Iaciofano quickly levelled the scores and both teams looked capable of triumphing in an entertaining game.

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Ashby’s close-range goal proved the difference against a club he knows well, having come through the youth system to make seven senior appearances before joining his current side in 2018.

“It’s exactly the same for me, it’s just another game,” the 25-year-old said.

“I was due a goal, so to get it in a final is nice as well.

“It was a tough game, Oxford United are a good side and really tested us so credit to them.

“They had plenty of chances, especially in the second half.

“If they nick a goal it’s a completely different game.”

A youthful U’s side featured no senior players, while City made just four changes to the XI that started Saturday’s National League South draw against Braintree Town.

United gained the lead in style, captain Goodrham volleying home from the edge of the area after Will Owens’ cross sat up invitingly.

City responded well and took just eight minutes to equalise when a rebound fell kindly for Iaciofano to fire low into the net.

Elliot Benyon headed against the top of the crossbar, before he was thwarted by Fraser Barnsley just before the half-hour mark when the goalkeeper made himself big to save.

Two delicious Goodrham crosses early in the second period deserved to put United ahead, but Owens fired over and Gatlin O’Donkor’s goal from the next ball in was ruled out for offside.

A goal was coming and Ashby provided it, converting from six yards out after City kept an attack alive following a corner.

It proved enough for the holders to retain the trophy they won in 2018 and 2019, before the competition’s two-season absence.

With a National League South play-off place already assured, Ashby hopes City can use this result as a springboard in their final three matches of the regular season as they eye promotion.

He said: “We need to carry on for three more league games and get as high in the play-offs as we can.

“Every game you play you want to win for momentum.

“We try to take that into the next game – keep working, keep improving and get as many points as possible.”