Oxford United strolled into the semi-finals of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup this evening, seeing off a determined challenge from Carterton. The game started brightly, and Oxford were quick to stamp their authority on the game, and Carterton rarely troubled Bradie Clarke in the Oxford goal.

United took the lead after just nine minutes, as Danny Morgan carved open the visitors’ defence before unselfishly squaring the ball to Craig Davies, who converted at the second attempt. Twenty minutes later United completed the scoring, this time Davies turning provider as he set up Paul Wanless whose shot flew past Nick Heritage into the top corner to make the score 2-0.

Oxford did have a scare when first Michael Diaz and then Andrew Gunn had to clear a dangerous free kick, conceded by Gunn, but generally it was the Yellows who were on top. Paul Burton had the ball in the net in the second half with a deflected shot, but the linesman had already raised his flag for offside.

There was a worrying moment when Davies limped off, to be replaced by Billy Beechers, but hopefully that was just a precaution as Davies had looked lively but received some rough treatment from the Carterton defenders. Lee Molyneaux also had to go off with an injury in the second half, replaced by Chris Roberts. Despite this, there were some positives for the watching management team. Michael and Emiliano Diaz both played well, and linked up well on the right, although Emiliano will have been disappointed to have picked up his second successive yellow card in reserve games. On the left wing Amine Karam provided some very nice touches, and looked very skillful and very fast, and was a constant thorn in Carterton’s side. His replacement, Tom Winters, took some time to get into the game, but provided some telling crosses and good runs. Morgan looked composed and knocked the ball around well, and was only denied a goal by a fantastic Heritage save, while Beechers also looked lively and full of running. At the back Gunn and David Woozley looked composed, and in the middle Wanless controlled the game.

United now face Thame United in the semi-finals, which take place at Court Place Farm in one week, on Tuesday 15 March. The other semi is between Oxford City and Witney United, date to be arranged.