Roberts does it again as Oxford Utd kids go through (From Herald Series)

Roberts does it again as Oxford Utd kids go through

10:00am Thursday 15th November 2012 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

James Roberts continued his extraordinary goalscoring run by grabbing a late winner to send Oxford United through 3-2 against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Youth Cup.

The striker hit his 15th goal in seven games with a low shot on 83 minutes to decide a closely-fought second-round tie.

Jermaine Udumaga and an own goal completed United’s scoring at Didcot Town’s Loop Meadow to clinch an 11th successive win for the talented side.

Youth team manager Chris Allen was delighted to win and set up a third- round tie at home to Barnsley next month, even if his side did not fire on all cylinders.

He said: “We weren’t at our best, but some games are like that and you have to roll your sleeves up. It was a bit scrappy, but we’re through.

“We showed a bit of character and the players need that – it’s good to be footballers but you need to compete as well, which is what we did.”

The visitors started brightly and deservedly led through Tyler Harvey’s neat finish on 26 minutes.

But Udumaga equalised on the stroke of half-time and United edged ahead through an own goal from Colin Watson seven minutes after the restart.

Plymouth rallied and drew level midway through the second half with a penalty from Matt Lecointe, after goalkeeper Josh Hill had brought down Joshua Hutchinson.

An enthralling game hung in the balance, but Roberts' finish decided it.

Oxford Utd: Hill, Wright, Niangasa, Long, Lynn, O'Dowda, Ashby, Humphreys, Hughes, Udumaga, Roberts Unused subs: Martin, Lalor-Dell, Woodley, Lathey, Cavanagh.

Attendance: 214.