Oxford United 1
Bristol Rovers 2

After a goalless first half our U-18 side went on to record their first win of the season thanks to two Lamar Powell goals.

Manager Jerry Gill was delighted that his side had taken on board the issues worked on in training in the build up to the match.

He told bristolrovers.co.uk: "We worked on closing and shutting down and winning the ball back fairly high up the pitch, and the lads did that really well in the first half.

"That set the tone for the game and while it was goalless at half time, we did create a couple of chances in that opening period.

"Given that we had fallen behind in a number of our pre season games, even though we went on to win many of them, the onus was on keeping a clean sheet in the first half."

The side stepped up a gear after the break.

Jerry said: "We passed and moved with a purpose and created a number of chances and it was pleasing to see the desire of wanting to win the ball back when we had lost possession.

"Up front, Lamar and Robbi Maggs combined well in the 4-4-2 system we played for the first time. Lamar went on to score twice; his first was a header, and the second came when he applied the final touch to a Lewis Parker effort on goal."

There was praise for substitute Tyrone Rhoden, who replaced Tom Seery just past the hour mark.

"Tom's injury meant that we had to reshuffle the lineup slightly, with Alex Hoyle moving into a central defensive role and Jack Camm filling in at right back.

"That allowed Tyrone to play on the right side of midfield. He hasn't had a lot of game time, and I've told him that I feel he has to do a little bit more in training at times. However I have to say that in this game his presence had a lot to do with us going on to win the game.

"He was good on the ball and he probably created three or four good goalscoring opportunities and some of the balls in from him, and the way they were delivered, were absolutely superb.

"His performance has certainly given me food for thought and if he continues to work on his fitness I'm sure we will see an improvement in his game and also see him challenging for a place in the starting lineup.

Team: Sam Butler, Alex Hoyle, Tom Seery (Tyrone Rhoden, 61), Jordan Tillson, Tyrone Mings, Jack Camm, James Dale, Jordan Goddard, Lewis Parker (Ross Staley, 89), Robbi Maggs, Lamar Powell.

Substitutes: Ashley Bowle, Mitch Harding, Ellis Harrison