A young and inexperienced United reserve side lost their first home game at Didcot Town’s Loop Meadow stadium this evening. United went ahead in the 50th minute when Billy Beechers scored, but eventually lost 2-1 to Norwich City reserves.

The first half was a fairly even affair, with United having the better possession, but Norwich creating more chances. Chris Tardif, by far the most experienced player in the Oxford side, and captain for the game, made one full-length save from Ryan Jarvis, while Andrew Gunn and Luke Bennett both did well to get last-ditch blocks in. At the other end, a Beechers shot dribbled through Joe Lewis’s legs and rebounded off the post into the keeper’s arms. Although not a dirty game, both Ben Weedon and Josh Kennet were booked, both for pulling back Norwich players who had beaten them for pace.

The second half was only four minutes old when Declan Benjamin’s pass released Beechers into the Norwich area, and the young United professional clipped the ball over Lewis. It took the Canaries 20 minutes before they drew level, Chris Martin driving the ball home past Tardif, who had made several decent stops from the visiting forwards in the meantime. Eight minutes later Norwich took the lead that their play deserved when the impressive Asmat El Ouargui fired home. By now the superior fitness of the away side was the telling factor, as United’s young kids visibly tired, and they often gave the ball away. United almost secured an undeserved equaliser when young substitute Alex Fisher, on for the injured Jerome Anderson, had a header from a corner headed off the line.

Apart from Tardif, who was clearly the best player on the pitch, those who impressed were Daniel Meade, playing right back in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, and the two centre backs alongside him, Gunn and Bennett. Andrew Younie on the right wing made several telling runs, while Benjamin and Beechers both also emerged with credit. Interestingly the side was taken by Darren Patterson, with Andy Awford watching from the stand. There were 133 spectators for United’s first home match in Didcot, vindicating Robert Maxwell’s decision to base the Thames Valley Royals there.