RISING star Harry Sampford was awarded the Kevin Durham Memorial Trophy before Wednesday’s game with Fleetwood.

The annual accolade recognises the most promising under 15 player in Oxfordshire.

Striker Sampford, from Bayworth, near Abingdon, came out on top after a fine season which has seen him score 17 goals in 20 games.

“It was a proud moment when I found out,” the 15-year-old said.

“I started with Radley Under 7s and have been with United since the end of my under 9 season.

“I was a bit nervous going out in front of so many people to collect the trophy, but my aim would be to play for the first team and one day be playing in front of a big crowd.”

The prize is named after the former U’s player, who died in 1991 on the eve of his first season as a professional with Barnet.

There was another youth prize handed out at half-time, with Callum Crook winning the inaugural Randall Bates Trophy for the most promising under 14 player.

The award has been created in honour of the former U’s youth coach, who suddenly passed away in February last year.