A brace apiece from Lee Davis and Joe Marriott helped Casuals to a deserved 4-1 win over Oxford Blackbirds in the 2nd Round of the League Cup.

Casuals started brightly and Matty Brown shot just wide in the opening minute of the game. The first goal of the game came after just 6 minutes when Jordan Smith fed the ball to Joe Marriott who gave the keeper no chance with a tremendous shot. Not long afterwards, the Blackbirds' keeper did very well to deny Matty Brown.

Casuals defence of Sanjay Malla, Ryan Fisher, Jack Cooper, and Adam Fairhurst were kept busy and had to produce a number of tackles and interceptions, but prevented Blackbirds having too many real chances for most of the first half.

However, Blackbirds did equalise after 19 minutes. A Casuals corner was cleared, and their quick centre forward worked hard to get onto the ball out wide, then beat several defenders and AJ Hart in goal before passing the ball into the net.

The opening five minutes in the 2nd half were finely balanced, with both sides looking for a breakthrough. Casuals had a great chance after 36 minutes when Lee Davis was put through, but his shot was saved by the keeper.

After that, Casuals were on top for most of the rest of the half. The wind was now in Casuals favour, helping to push Blackbirds back. The defence now included Euan Pill as well, and they continued to deal with Blackbirds' attacks well.

Casuals took the lead after 40 minutes. A Casuals corner was cleared, Adam Fairhurst ran forward with the ball, then pushed the ball out wide to Lee Davis who smashed the ball home from just outside the area, beating the keeper at the near post. Just after, George Kay's looped shot went just wide.

The third goal came after 45 minutes. Lee Davis intercepted a goal kick, controlled the ball, then shot in from outside the area. Casuals continued to push forward whenever possible. Samuel Russell nearly scored with a volley from short range, and George Kay lobbed the ball just over. Casuals added a fourth four minutes from the end when a cross from Joe Marriott was fumbled by the goalie.

It was another good performance from Casuals, though Blackbirds gave a good account of themselves. There were plenty of good performances to highlight, but the pick was George Kay for his hard work up front - with a new England shirt as a reward.

Next up in the Cup will be the winners of the game between Wantage and Harwell - with Casuals in with a chance of causing an upset if they continue to improve.