Despite an improved performance after half time, a goal 15 minutes from time by Iyseden Christie sent Oxford United Reserves tumbling to a 3-2 defeat against Leyton Orient Res in the Avon Insurance Combination yesterday.

Fielding a side containing three triallists, United showed great character to battle back twice to level, after a first-half performance which coach Mike Ford admitted he "didn't enjoy to watch."

But despite looking set for a point when Jorden Holder made the score 2-2, Christie converted a left-wing cross for his second goal of the game and all three points.

Norwegian triallist Sindre Rekdal played alongside Wayne Hatswell in central defence, while Lee Maddison (left back) and Jered Stirling (midfield) completed the trio of new-boys who were trying to impress.

Christie put the home side ahead early on, but United fought back when a Dwight Ciampoli corner was headed home by Hatswell at the near post.

Orient soon regained the lead through Gary Fletcher, but Ford's half-time team-talk obviously had the desired effect.

Almost straight from the re-start, Chris Hackett saw his shot parried by the home keeper, and Holder was on hand to knock home the rebound.

But Christie's late effort proved enough to condemn United to defeat.

"The second half was much better, but I didn't enjoy watching the first 45 minutes," Ford admitted.

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