Youngster Jack Bridge gave Blues – who had first team players Paul Smith, Mads Ibenfeldt and Lee Barnard in the starting line-up – the early lead.

Bridge arrived late in the box to round Ryan Clarke and net in the 13th minute but Oxford battled back and equalised when a cut back from the right-hand side found Sam Long, who tucked home.

Oxford’s Josh Sharma scored what was the match-winning goal when he rose highest to head home a cross that cannoned off the bar and into the net.

Reflecting on the defeat, coach Graham Coughlan was frustrated by his side’s performance.

“It was a little lethargic and to be honest, Oxford were better than us,” Coughlan said.

“We were sloppy during parts of the game but there were positives with the youth boys – Jack Bridge did really well, as did Jason Williams.

“They’re both showing signs of good development.”

Blues: P. Smith, Trialist, Matsuzaka, Ibenfeldt, Bantom, Farrell, Johnstone, Bridge, Barnard, Jason Williams, Layne