Oxford United’s young guns bowed out of the FA Youth Cup  following a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City despite a brave display at the Premier League club’s Academy Stadium last night.
A first-half goal from Marcus Wood and an injury-time strike from Bersant Celina won the   third-round tie for the hosts.
United contained City well, but went a goal down on 26 minutes when Wood fired Aaron Nemane’s cross past Jack Stevens in the U’s goal.
At the other end, AJ George was denied an equaliser by City keeper Charlie Albinson.
The U’s defended well and when City broke through, Stevens made three good stops.
After the break, Freddie Grant went close to levelling, only for Albinson to push his effort around a post.
City turned up the heat with Stevens twice denying Javairo Dilrosum.
Two minutes into injury time, the U’s fate was sealed when Celina grabbed City’s second with a cool finish.
Oxford Utd: Stevens, Welch-Hayes, F Grant (Tuttle 80), Hayden (c), Cundy, McCormack, Humphries (Diaz-Benitez 70), George, Jeacock, Graham, Conte (Morgan-Williams 60). Subs not used: Cavanagh, Ricketts.
Attendance: 476.