Keeper heroics can't save Worcester City Under 15s

A superb display by keeper Josh Reed-Jones couldn't save City from slipping to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Oxford City.

The stopper made a string of excellent saves throughout the game to keep the scoreline respectable and his side in the contest.

Apart from the second quarter, the home side bossed most of the match and deservedly ran out victors in the end.

In complete contrast to last week's first quarter, City were second best in the opening period and were fortunate to end it on level terms.

As they exploited their opponents' lack-lustre start and the space being given to them, Oxford shot over the bar with their first attempt - an incident that didn't go unheeded as they nearly took the lead with their next opportunity as Reed-Jones made a finger-tip save with the ball rebounding to safety from the inside of the post.

After the lively Will Cottell had City's first shot, Reed-Jones made a good save with his feet as Oxford continued to threaten. They were foiled again by the woodwork as the visitors failed to deal with a corner and they forced Reed-Jones into a good catch to his right as the quarter ended.

City at last came to life in Q2. Good link-up play between Jesse Asomugah and the tireless Jamie Neath set up a chance for George Hymas, who shot wide of the near post.

Asomugah fed Cottell, who outpaced the defender but shot tamely. Moments later, a carbon copy chance saw Cottell sprint clear again and he brought out a good save from the Oxford keeper, who got up quickly to block Neath as he tried to convert the rebound from a tight angle.

But just as City seemed to be gaining momentum, they conceded a soft goal when a cross was allowed to run across the goal where it was prodded in at the back post.

Oxford appeared to be galvanised by their lead at the start of Q3, when their winger burst clear on the right at pace and took aim at the far post only for Reed-Jones to get the merest of touches to divert wide.

The hosts split the visiting defence with a great ball through the middle but were thwarted by Reed-Jones' legs and, moments later, it was a case of deja-vu as the Oxford player cleverly pushed the ball past the last defender and ran in on goal only to see his effort repelled by the City keeper once more.

The Oxford pressure eventually told but it was bad luck on Reed-Jones, who did well to adjust to push away a deflected shot. Unfortunately it was an opponent who reacted first to the loose ball and smashed unchallenged into the roof of the net.

In Q4, City came closest to a goal as a short corner found its way to Cottell, who was unlucky to see his long-range curler come back off the angle with the Oxford keeper well beaten.

With only 12 players available (and credit to Jack Pocknell for slotting into an accustomed position at right-back), City did at least keep going to the final whistle but should be aiming for better days ahead.