Report: Oxford United U23s 1 Swans U23s 0

Swansea City Under-23s’ Premier League Cup campaign began with a 1-0 defeat against Oxford United at Meadow View Park.

Ravarnelle James scored what proved to be the winning goal after just 10 minutes in the opening match of Group E.

The young Swans battled well but eventually left the home of Thame United empty-handed.

They made four changes to the side that were beaten by Manchester City in Premier League 2 on Saturday.

There was a debut for Daniel Williams in midfield and Kieran Evans returned to the starting XI following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while Botti Biabi and Tom Price were also recalled.

The visitors fell behind when James tucked the loose ball away after Gregor Zabret could only parry Owen James’ initial effort into his path.

Cameron Norman also went close for the hosts in a first half of few chances while, at the other end, Matthew Berry-Hargreaves made a vital intervention with Price and Biabi waiting to pounce.

Oxford continued to threaten after the break. Charlie Raglan fired over from a set-piece and, shortly afterwards, Aaron Lewis was forced to make a fantastic block on the line to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

The Swans pushed for the equaliser later on with their best chance seeing an unmarked Liam Cullen head over from Tyler Reid’s stoppage-time cross.

However, Oxford held on to take all three points.
 

Oxford United U23s: Jack Stevens, Cameron Norman (Steven Johnson Fikula, 40), Matthew Taylor, Matthew Berry-Hargreaves, Charlie Raglan, Aaron Heap (capt), Ravarnelle James, Aaron McCreadie, Dejon Noel-Williams (Brandon Taverner, 86), Albie Hopkins (Slavi Spasov, 75), Owen James.

Subs not used: Manny Agboola, James Cowan,.

Swans U23s: Gregor Zabret, Tyler Reid, Aaron Lewis (capt), Tom Price, Joe Lewis, Brandon Cooper, Jordon Garrick (Adnan Maric, 76), Daniel Williams, Botti Biabi, Oli Cooper, Keiran Evans (Liam Cullen, 60).

Subs not used: Josh Gould, Kees de Boer, Ryan Blair.