Young Oxford United hotshot in cup spotlight (From Bicester Advertiser)

Young Oxford United hotshot in cup spotlight

10:00am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

Hotshot James Roberts will be looking to continue a fantastic goalscoring streak as Oxford United start their FA Youth Cup campaign on Wednesday (October 31, 7.30).

The 16-year-old striker, who was released by Wycombe Wanderers earlier this year, has netted 12 goals in the last five games.

His haul has helped fire the U’s to seven straight victories in all competitions and includes a double in the 4-3 FA Youth Alliance League win against tonight’s opponents Yeovil Town.

Youth team manager Chris Allen is cautious about getting carried away with Roberts’s return so far, but has been impressed.

He said: “James has still got a lot to work on and I don’t want to say anything ridiculous at the moment because there are lots of things in his game he still has to learn.

“But he’s learning how to finish, is making good runs and is a good size.”

The under 18s, who reached the third round before going out to Bolton Wanderers last season, will host Plymouth Argyle if they can find a way past Yeovil in the first-round tie, which will be played at Thame United’s ASM Stadium.

Allen is keen to see how the in-form side perform in their most high-profile competition of the season.

He said: “It’s something they all look forward to and they already know who they would get if they went through. “It will be good for them.”