Oxford United's reserves were beaten for the first time this season as they went down 1-0 to Watford at Didcot this evening. The Us, playing in their blue away kit, were dominated in the first half but managed to get to the break with the scores level. The second period was much more even, but the Hornets made the breakthrough when right-back Tom Aldred powered in a free header from a corner with an hour gone.

Oxford featured the ROS Henry Owen at centre-back, alongside Leigh Franks with Sam Parish and Steve Kinniburgh in the full-back positions, in front of 'keeper Simon Eastwood. The midfield trio had bags of experience between them, with Simon Clist making a rare start following his return from injury, Dannie Bulman and Richie Baker in the other two slots. Up front, Aaron Woodley was flanked by Sam Deering and Mitchell Cole. Alleged triallist Ryan James failed to appear, having decided to follow up a different option.

In the first half Oxford had their backs to the wall for long periods, as the youthful Watford side were faster, stronger, sharper, and better on the ball. For all that, they rarely troubled Eastwood, while at the other end goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin was virtually a spectator. United's only chance in the first half came from a Deering free-kick, headed narrowly over by Franks.

United were vastly improved after the break, but Watford were still making better chances, with one long-range shot straight into Eastwood's midriff, and another spilled by the goalie onto the post before he gathered safely. After the goal Oxford started to look more likely to get back into the game, and they forced a succession of corners, the fourth of which saw a Cole shot cleared from off the line. However, they failed to make the breakthrough, despite being camped in the Watford penalty area throughout the two minutes of added time, during which there were strong claims for handball after a visiting defender threw himself sideways to block another Cole effort.

For most of the game Watford looked like a Championship side, with United