JOSH Ashby scored twice as Oxford United won 3-0 in the FA Youth Cup first round at Didcot Town last night.
Kieran Beesley saved well from James Roberts and Greg Hackett early on, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Ashby’s dipping strike from range on 26 minutes.
Didcot worked hard to stay in the game, but fell further behind just before the hour mark.
Sam Humphreys was brought down in the penalty area by Sam Borland and Ashby confidently stepped up to beat Beesley from 12 yards.
Defender Cain McCormack added a third for United midway through the half, heading in at a corner.
Matthew Woodley came close to a consolation goal late on with a well-struck free-kick which United keeper Barney Martin smartly turned away.
Chris Allen’s side, who reached round three last season, will visit either Southend or Maidstone in the second round next month.
Didcot: Beesley, Borland, Wilcox, Weatherall, Tanner, Hollister, MacDonald, Thomas, Janes, Woodley, Noble.
Subs used: McDermaid, Cole, McDonagh. Subs not used: Collins.
Oxford Utd: B Martin, Clarke, McCormack, Grant, Welch-Hayes, Humphreys, D Martin, Ashby, Hackett, Calvin, Roberts.
Subs used: George, Cundy, Conte (Hackett 79). Subs not used: Hastings, Teter.
Attendance: 291.