Oxford United youth team coach Chris Allen said that he was proud of his players, despite seeing them exit the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night.

The U’s youngsters lost 2-1 to Bolton, conceding a 90th-minute goal to bow out.

But Allen, who himself came through the ranks at United, believes the experience of the competition will stand the players in good stead.

Despite going behind in just the fourth minute, the U’s came back well with Tyrone Marsh heading home an equaliser.

However, a last minute goal ended their hopes in a game played at the Kassam Stadium.

“It goes to show how well we did within the game because of the massive gulf between the sides,” Allen said.

“If you were a neutral you wouldn’t have known which was the Premier League team.

“We had a right go and weren’t daunted about playing on the Kassam Stadium pitch, for which we have to say a huge thank-you to the chairman for allowing us to play on.”

Allen says that before the game there was a huge amount of tension in the dressing room, and letting a goal in so early was the last thing that they wanted.

“Looking in a few eyes before the start, they were scared,” Allen said.

“It was a big night for them all and conceding the early goal was the worst-possible start because you’re chasing the game.

“But despite that, we had a real good go.

“We did well, got the equaliser and deserved extra time.”

Allen added: “We have played at a few big grounds this season, Bournemouth, Cheltenham and now the Kassam so if any of these players are going to go on and make it professionally, it’s important they get the feeling of these big stadium.”