Young Hoops through in FA Youth Cup.



Binfield 1

James Gilber 31'

Oxford City 2

Gabriel Iyayi 12', 18'

Oxford City progressed in the FA Youth Cup, with a 2-1 victory on the road against Binfield.

It was two goals from Gabriel Iyayi, one a half for the forward, which secured the Hoops a dramatic victory, despite the hosts levelling from the spot on 31 minutes.

City started well, and had the better of the opening chances, firing narrowly over the bar within the opening five minutes followed shortly by a goalmouth scramble in which the hosts were able to clear off of the line in just time!

Speaking of close calls, an impressive long range effort then came in from the Moles, with an even more impressive save following as Daniel Starkey adjusted well to deny a top-corner finish.

Following chances at both ends, it was City to take the early advantage as a dangerous cross from the right hand side was spilled by Binfield’s number one, allowing Gabriel Iyayi to slot home from close range in the 12th minute.

A period followed where both teams battled for control, and Binfield were able to level on 31 minutes, courtesy of a spot-kick. Starkey dived the right way, but the hosts were able to squeeze the strike into the bottom right corner to wipe Iyayi’s early effort.

In almost the perfect response from the Hoops, Archie Smith powered an effort goalward moments after the restart, but his strike deflected onto the post.

Another goalmouth scramble shortly followed in the Binfield box, but, once again, the hosts were able to clear just in time.

Both teams then pushed on for the lead, the closest chance coming in from a Jack Green header which glanced narrowly wide just before break, but neither team could force the half-time advantage, leaving a nervy second 45 to be played out.

Half-time: Binfield 1-1 Oxford City

The start of the second half was a cagey affair, as both teams looked threatening going forward, but nothing really tested the reactions of either keeper.

Both defences certainty had to stay alert, however, with free-kick and corner deliveries at both ends providing both teams with the chance of glory.

A similar theme played out throughout much of the second half, with it difficult to predict which way the game would swing.

That swing inevitably came, and it came with Iyayi’s second of the evening. It was an excellent ball in the 81st minute that saw him threaded through on goal, and it was in behind the defence from which he slotted home to secure the victory.

That wasn’t the end of the story, however, as it took a top-class save from Starkey to deny the hosts a second leveller of the evening.

It could have been 88th-minute drama, but our number one reacted to tip a close-range header over the bar to keep his side ahead.

A nervy end to the game followed, as Binfield pushed on to reignite their cup hopes, but City’s defence remained switched on, with the early, and then late, goal from Iyayi enough to keep City’s FA Youth Cup dream very much alive!

On to the next one!

City XI: Daniel Starkey, Daniel Goff, Tyler Dix, Ethan Chapman (Josh Johnson 66’), Jacob Parker-Hunt, Leshan Stephans-Anacleti, Jaydon Mobley, Archie Smith, Gabriel Iyayi, Casey Price, Jack Green (Ben Eagle 70’).

Subs unused: George Rum, Oliver McFayden, Jack Hancock, Enrico Lewis.