When I started writing for Vital Oxford, I made it clear that I would not cover the Football League Trophy due to the connotations associated with the tournament.
And although we have counted their results in the competition as part of their 14 games unbeaten run along with players goals and assists, that remains. However, after the U’s secured a 4-1 win at Crawley Town, there are a couple of points that I wanted to highlight.
Youngest Oxford Captain
Nico Jones has become the clubs youngest ever captain after the 17-year-old centre back was given the armband for the game.
The Republic of Ireland Under-18 defender is highly thought of among the coaching staff at the club and is expected to have had a bright future.
Jones was partnered by club captain, John Mousinho, in defence, with his partner almost twice his age at 33-years-old.
The teenager, who made three senior appearances at the end of last season, told the Oxford Mail ahead of kick-off: “I couldn’t stop smiling (when Robinson announced the move), but I was also nervous because it’s a big responsibility.
“Since I stepped into the first team he (Mousinho) has been helping me and talking me through the things I need to improve on. He’ll be a big help.”
Youngest Oxford Player
It was also a night to remember for another Oxford youngster as Tyler Goodrham became the youngest ever U’s player.
At 16 years and 98 days old, the midfielder has broken the record, previously held by Graham Atkinson, which stood for nearly six decades.
The second half substitute told the Oxford Mail: “I imagine I’ll be telling my grandkids stories about this,” he said.
“There’s not a chance I’ll sleep tonight. I couldn’t really describe what was going on in my mind, it was all emotions.
“I saw my family in the stand when I was warming up and that filled me with joy and nerves. I’m doing what I love, so I’m going to be a bit nervous doing it.”
Rob Hall
After scoring United’s second goal in their FA Cup first-round win at Hayes and Yeading on Sunday, Rob Hall bagged his first U’s hat trick.
As a result, the winger has netted five goals in three games after he opened to scoring in the Carabao Cup win over Sunderland.
His first against Crawley was a precise low drive, and the other two both came from the penalty spot.
Anthony Forde scored the first penalty to make it 2-0, but the Irishman was replaced half time.
Hall told the Oxford Mail: “Me and Fordey practise them all the time, so I was always confident he was going to stick it away.
“It was lucky he was off the pitch when the next two came, so I jumped straight on them.
“I’m buzzing and it was a good team effort. I thought we passed and moved well and the young lads who came on were excellent.”
Squad Rotation
Robinson made eight changes from the side that progressed to the second round of the FA Cup.
Jack Stevens made just his second appearance of the season in goal, with Jones and Mousinho the centre back pairing. Kevin Berkoe started at left-back, while Forde began on the right with the U’s boss looking at alternative options if Chris Cadden is recalled from his loan spell in January.
Alex Rodriguez Gorrin started again, behind Mark Sykes and Shandon Baptiste, with Hall on the right and Oussama Zamouri, making his Oxford debut, on the left. Dan Agyei made his first start up front.
It was refreshing to see some of the fringe players and youngsters get a deserved opportunity, whilst resting key players after what has been a gruelling schedule.
