Oxford United beaten 4-1 by Cambridge in the Papa John’s Trophy

Despite this, the U’s started strongly with Kane involved in the opening minutes setting Holland on his way with a great ball, before the on-loan winger was tackled.

Tyler Goodrham showed promising signs on his full debut, and was denied by a fine save in the 19th minute when he unleashed a fine effort from 25 yards. Cooper and Holland also had changes to get the first goal.

Alas the opener came from Cambridge as former Oxford man Sam Smith headed in a corner in what was to be a period of time to change the game.

A minute later Knibbs broke through and McNally brought him down, earning a red card for being the last man. Soon after another corner was swung in and Smith bundled his second home. 2-0 down at the break and with ten man gave the U’s a mountain to climb.

At the break,  Clinton Nosakhare came on for his debut for Chambers-Parillon at centre half, and captain Mousinho not only guided him with his experience but he also pulled one back when he headed a corner over.

Sub O’Donkor set up Elechi who hit the post in the 68th minute, but it was Agyei who finally pulled one back with a beauty 4 minutes later. From nothing he picked up the ball and curled a fine finish and almost got one a few minutes later after that but couldn’t get his header on target.

Legs began to tire, and Knibbs bundled in another corner in the 82nd minute before Yearn sealed it in injury time.

Manager Karl Robinson expressed after the match that he thought his side played very well for 42 minutes, and was disappointed to have conceded from set-pieces. He knew beforehand that the younger players would tire in the last 15 minutes and thought Eastwood had a man of the match performance.

But he reserved special treatment for for former Liverpool player Kane saying “Herbie looked another class above. What a player he is, he’s a real special one.”

Oxford United Fixtures and Results 21/22