Captain Sam Kemp grabbed a late winner as Oxfordshire opened the defence of their Midland Counties Youth Championship title with a 2-1 win at Birmingham.

Just two minutes were left when Birmingham failed to clear Kyle Bestley’s corner and Kemp drove the ball into the back of the net.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Oxon had started brightly with Horatio Hirst shooting wide.

However, it was Birmingham who took the lead, when Nicholas Ruddock fired home in the 28th minute.

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Goalkeeper Adam Rimmer kept Oxfordshire in the match with a superb double save just before half-time.

And with the wind behind them after the break, Oxon equalised within three minutes of the restart when Luke Coles supplied the pass for Hirst to finish in clinical fashion.

Lester Davies shot wide after mazy run as Oxfordshire piled on the pressure.

Rimmer had to be on his toes to make another double save to keep Birmingham at bay.

Arron Cook had a great opportunity to put Oxon ahead, but miskicked in front of goal and the chance was gone.

However, the visitors weren’t to be denied and Kemp popped up to give them a well-earned victory.

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