OXFORD United bowed out of the Setanta Shield after a 2-1 extra-time defeat against Forest Green Rovers at the New Lawn last night.

It was tough luck on the U’s who had battled back from a goal down to take the game into extra time through an Eddie Hutchin-son header.

But with the game looking like heading for penalties, Forest Green striker Kaid Mohammed smashed home a 25-yard effort three minutes from full time to sink Darren Patterson’s side.

Again, United had plenty of possession, but were unable to convert chances and were made to pay.

With several players struggling with injuries, Patterson shuffled his pack, handing a debut to 17-year-old Richard Groves in central midfield.

Skipper Joe Burnell also came back into the starting line-up, with Yemi Odubade, the hero in Saturday’s 1-0 win over York, given a start in attack alongside James Constable.

Hutchinson partnered Chris Willmott in the heart of the U’s defence.

Phil Trainer almost got United off to a flying start, but his effort flew just wide of an upright in the opening minute.

And six minutes later, United trailed.

A ball forward from Simon Clist caught out the U’s defence, and with goalkeeper Billy Turley hesitating, Andy Mangan slotted home.

United continued to press forward, but found keeper Terry Burton in good form.

At the other end, Turley had to be alert to stop efforts from Clist and Mohammed.

United replaced Lewis Haldane with Jamie Guy at the break, and made five positional changes.

Guy went up front, Odubade dropped back to the wing, Hutchinson was pushed into midfield with Burnell going to right back and Day centre half.

And it worked almost instantly.

A super cross from Chris Carruthers was met by Hutchinson, and his powerful header whistled past Burton into the net.

After the break, United turned up the heat, and were rewarded for their play when Hutchinson, in for the injured Foster headed home a super cross from Chris Carruthers.

Minutes later, James Constable missed a great chance to make it 2-1 but fired wide after Hutchinson flicked on a long throw from Matt Day.

As time went on, extra time looked likely as both sides cancelled each other out.

In extra time, Burton made a good save from Jamie Guy who replaced the disappointing Haldane. Odubade had a good chance, but Burton made a block.

It looked like going to penalties, but with minutes to go, Kaid Mohammed fired home a cracker from 25 yards to win it for Forest Green Rovers.