United U16s made their first away trip of the season, making the relatively short trip to Milton Keynes to face MK Galacticos.
The weather was fine, and the pitch although relatively small particularly in width was in good condition, after the rainfall we had the previous night.

A couple of changes to the squad this week, particularly in attacking positions with Josh, Pablo and Will notable absentees, and Tyra struggling with a knee injury in warm up. Meant we handed a debut to Zach who started upfront alongside Finlay.

For the second week in a row the team made a fast start, immediately giving the opposition no time on the ball. A couple of half chances fell our away, before we opened the scoring on 7 minutes. Toby received the ball in a wide position before crossing to the back post. Zach controlled the ball and hit it with his left foot into the bottom corner of the net 0-1.

The midfield three of Lennon at the base, with Lewis and Toby playing slightly hire were dictating play, and the team were sharp picking up second balls ahead of the opposition. The second goal followed on 14 minutes. Finlay showed good strength driving towards the penalty area before hitting a shot which the keeper done well to save, he could only parry out though and Zach was on hand to side foot home for 0-2.

The team was freshened up half way through the half with FIn and Zach being replaced with Tyra and Ollie E, Tyra playing through the centre on his own, with Ollie E moving into a holding midfield role with Lennon and Lewis and Toby pushing on in support of Tyra.

The changes didn't affect the flow of the game with United still well on top. Lennon had a shot that was high and wide, and after good approach play Lewis had a tame shot saved by the keeper. The third goal seemed inevitable and it duly arrived in the 20th minute. More good wing play by Toby resulted in a cross being met on the volley by Harry who lashed it into the roof of the net, giving the keeper no chance 0-3.

United should of been awarded a penalty a few minutes later as Toby was clearly tripped in the box, but he sportingly stayed on his feet, which was enough for the referee to wave the appeals away.

The lads were rarely threatened at the back, but when called upon Nathan was quick off his line to smother through balls, and the back three of Lex, Arthur, Ollie C and later in the half Aidan dealt with everything comfortably. In truth MK who were playing three high forwards really didn't look like scoring.

As the half time whistle approached we almost scored the goal of the half. After great passing football between several of the players, the ball was eventually played wide to Harry on the right hand side, he curled an effort from outside the area towards goal, but it was inches away from the far post.

The second half started at a much slower pace. MK had put on a new forward player whose pace and physicality was causing a few more issues to the back line. We had also taken our foot of the gas a bit, and our passing had become a little sloppy and casual at times, giving the opposition encouragement. Nathan had a to make two vital saves to keep the three goal cushion. Firstly with his feet when the MK striker appeared to be about to score, then saving low down with his hand, before Lex cleared the danger before MK could react.

MK wanted a penalty of their own after a tangle of legs in the box led to an MK player going down. From where we were there was definite contact between the players, definitely not intentional - more of an innocent coming together. Regardless the referee waved this away too, much to the annoyance of the MK coaching team!

Sensing a slight turn in the tide we decided to go to a back four, to help tackle the three MK forward players. This appeared to nullify the threat as we regained control of the match. Ollie E almost scored following a good corner kick, Fin hit the side netting following a lovely flick from Zach, and Tyra struck wide when when the ball was just behind him from a cross into the box.

The fourth goal arrived in the 63rd minute. Zach chased and pressed the right back towards the corner flag, eventually robbing him of the ball before crossing for the onrushing Toby to smash into the goal from point blank range. 0-4.

Then came a moment of magic from Lewis. Receiving the ball 10 yards or so outside the penalty he jinked his way though four challenges before advancing on the keeper and side footing into the net. A great goal that would be worthy of winning any game, and was reward for Lewis all action display in the middle of the pitch.

There was still time for MK to threaten the goal once more. A good cross into our box appeared to be heading straight onto the head of the the MK centre forward, but Lex who appeared to be wrong side to start with, somehow got in front of his man to make an excellent headed clearance and preserve the clean sheet.

A dominant display, and a good result away from home. The boys at the back also deserving of their clean sheet. Next week we are at home again facing a strong Rushall side.

Full Time
MK Galacticos U16s 0 Banbury United U16s 5
Scorers - Zach (2), Harry, Toby, Lewis
Assists - Toby (2), Finaly, Zach
MOTM - Lewis