OXFORD United set up a glamour trip to Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup as they saw off rivals Swindon Town 3-2 at the Kassam Stadium.

Jordan Graham scored twice, either side of AJ George’s penalty to give the hosts a commanding advantage at half-time in the second-round tie.

But the 727-strong crowd endured a tense finish as Swindon struck in the final ten minutes through Callum McCormack and Tommy Ouldridge.

United held on to progress and for Graham, who arrived at the club at the end of last season after leaving Leicester City, it was one of his best nights in football.

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“Definitely, one of my better games to look back on,” he said.

“The last game (Bristol City) when I scored the winner was good as well, but doing it against Swindon makes it better.”

George admitted the derby against Swindon, who they have already beaten twice in the league this season, acted as a more powerful incentive than either playing at the Kassam or the prospect of facing City.

He said: “All three of them mixed together worked wonders, but I think the biggest one is Swindon.”

George knew exactly what it meant after being part of the United side who reached the fourth round last season, where a narrow defeat to Cardiff City denied them a clash with Chelsea.

He said: “The FA Youth Cup is special, you only get it twice in your career and you can’t afford to let it slip.

“Last season was gutting – we would’ve had Chelsea here, but I think this makes up for it.

“Man City are probably the biggest team in the country right now, they have money galore even at youth team level, so it’ll be an extreme test. Bring it on.”

Manager Chris Allen was thrilled to see the side perform on a rare opportunity to play at the Kassam Stadium.

He said: “The boys loved it here, they watch the first team regularly and it’s great they’ve been able to play on this pitch.”

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