OXFORD United fell at the first hurdle in the FA Youth Cup as they lost 2-0 against Bristol Rovers at Northcourt Road.

The hosts edged the first half without making a breakthrough and Rovers struck twice in nine minutes after the break to book a place in round two.

Aaron McCreadie came close to giving the hosts a perfect start, but his 20-yard effort deflected on to the crossbar in the eighth minute.

It was a rare sight of goal in a tight first half where there was very little between the sides.

United shaded the action, though, and on the stroke of half-time they carved out a great chance.

Matt Berry-Hargreaves' pass set Dejon Noel-Williams clear, but after delaying he shot wide.

The tall striker was clattered as he pulled the trigger and did not return to the field for the second half.

The tight game continued until midway through the second half, when Rovers opened the scoring. 

United goalkeeper Niall Clayton denied Tyrone Tucker-Dixon with his feet, but when the ball came back to the striker seconds later he curled a shot into the bottom corner.

With 13 minutes remaining Rovers made the game safe when substitute Tom McHew doubled the lead with a powerful finish.

Canice Carroll had a goal disallowed for offside in stoppage-time as United pushed late on for a way back into the game, but it was in vain.

Oxford Utd: Clayton, Berry-Hargreaves, McDonnell, Carroll, Chilcott, Hartley (Hopkins 72), McCreadie (Mannings 82), Heap, Bryan, Napa, Noel-Williams (James HT).

Unused subs: Baker, Carr.