While Oxford United men’s first team’s FA Cup dreams went up in smoke at home to Sunderland on Sunday, the club’s other two major sides are still involved in their respective FA Cups.

The Under 18s

On Wednesday evening (6pm) the U18s have a home fifth round tie against Manchester United at the Kassam Stadium, having beaten Wigan Athletic 2-0 and Colchester United 2-1 in the two previous rounds.

There’s a lot to like about this season’s youth side, whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Up front, Jack Lee is scoring goals for fun. He’s a physical player who won his battle with Colchester’s man-mountain centre back, because he has pace and skill as well.

On either side of him are two speedy wingers in Mubarak Abolade and Mo Missanga, the latter fresh from his call up to the first team to take his place on the bench against Birmingham City. Both of these have the potential to create openings and either score themselves or set up chances for others. There’s a nice selection headache for coach Niall Keown as well, with Leo Snowden possibly fit to return to the front line following his long-term injury.

The midfield lynchpin is Josh Holton. A ferocious player who reminds me of David Batty in his prime. Fierce in the tackle but with a good pass on him as well. He is complemented by Calum Doyle, who has come on in leaps and bounds since earning his scholarship. Unfortunately, Wales U19 international Louis Griffiths is probably out for the rest of the season.

The defensive rock is skipper Charlie Cramond, who wins everything in the air and can put in a strong tackle too, while he is also assured on the ball and has a good passing range. He is ably assisted by Harley Gardner and Albie Collins. United are also spoilt for choice in the rearguard, with Harry Jones and Will Jackson both strong goalkeepers.

Manchester United are coached by Darren Fletcher, who scored against Oxford United in the 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat in 2006. It goes without saying that the 2022 tournament winners will be a tough challenge, but the result is by no means a foregone conclusion, whatever the Manchester United sites might have you believe.

The reward for the victors is another home tie, against the winner of the Sunderland vs Brighton game, which is played on Tuesday 24th February.

The Women

Oxford United Women also have a home tie in the fifth round of their competition, the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, with a visit from Charlton Athletic on Sunday (2pm kick off).

United’s path to this stage of the tournament has seen them advance past Hashtag United on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Aveley. They then beat Luton Town 3-1 and Plymouth Argyle 2-1 before a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough took them into the fifth round.

Before last Sunday’s 4-3 defeat at top-of-the-table Watford, United had won seven games on the trot since Liam Gilbert returned to coach the side, so there is no shortage of confidence, or indeed talent, among the squad.

Top goalscorer is Emma Thompson, who has led the line superbly since becoming first choice, following Holly Turner’s injury. She scored twice at Watford and has a clinical eye for goal.

Winger Nicole Barratt on the right is the main provider; her assists record is off the charts. She has the pace and skill to worry any fullback. Duties on the opposite flank are shared between Maisy Barker, who is lightning fast, and Ruby Sealey, who is strong and powerful. Great options for Gilbert.

The midfield is led by wily campaigner Kate Wiseman. She can pass and tackle and is a great leader. Holly Manders and Grace Palmer or Ellie-Mae Richardson are all great at making that final creative pass, and Manders takes a wicked set piece too, and has a great goal in her (Top photo: Manders scores United’s third against Middlesbrough).

The central defensive pair of Riva Casley and skipper Naomi Bedeau are made of granite. Neither get beaten in the air and both can carry the ball out of defence and pick a pass. They are also lethal from set pieces. They are backed up by the ever-reliable Shaunna Jenkins. The full backs of Nic Gibson on the right and the experienced Shelly Provan on the left are similarly resilient and contribute massively to the side’s success.

Goalkeeper Beth Wookey is the final piece of the jigsaw. A great shot-stopper and with superb distribution, her calmness at the back lays the foundations for the players ahead of her.

However, Charlton will be very tough opponents. They are currently top of WSL 2 and haven’t lost a league game all season. In the fourth round, they beat Swindon 10 (ten) – 0 (nil), which was very nice of them, but come match day, all favours will be put aside as the two sides do battle. It should be a great contest, and with almost 500 tickets sold already there should be a great atmosphere too.

Before then, the women have a league game at home to AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday (surely an error to have the FA Youth Cup game scheduled for the same evening). Bournemouth are one place above the U’s in the table, albeit seven points better off. They also have three games in hand over United, as well as the top two teams: Watford and Plymouth. They are five points behind Watford and just one adrift of Argyle.

Best of luck to the boys and the women in their games and let’s hope that they are able to achieve what the men’s team couldn’t and progress to the quarter-finals of their respective FA Cup competitions.