A YOUTHFUL Oxford United side reached the Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 win against Easington Sports.

The scores were level nine minutes from time, but Sam Humphreys scored twice, once via a deflection, to win the last eight tie.

United, nominally the hosts at Abingdon United's Northcourt Road, started brightly, but could not find a way past Easington goalkeeper Darren Booker.

He made several good saves, but could do nothing to prevent Aidan Hawtin opening the scoring seven minutes before the break.

Latching on to a precise pass from Seth Humphries, the U's skipper cut inside and lashed a left-footed shot high into the net from 20 yards.

The lead was short-lived, though, as a defensive mistake allowed Steve Howkins to pounce and level for the Hellenic League side on the stroke of half-time.

There was little in the game during the second half, but United claimed the decisive blow in the 81st minute, when Humphreys unlocked the Easington defence.

The winger made it 3-1 with the final kick of the game from the penalty spot, after Freddie Grant was fouled in the box.

Oxford Utd: Stevens, Diaz-Benitez, MacCormack, Cundy, Grant, Hawtin, Humphries, George (Graham ht), Humphreys, Shama, Jeacock.

Subs: Cavanagh, Mbayo, Cook, Conte.