Oxford United fired a three-goal salvo in the first half to set up a 3-1 win over Southend United in the FA Youth Cup second round at Roots Hall last night.
Winger Sam Humphreys broke the deadlock on 22 minutes with a curling strike after James Roberts cut the ball back to him.
Roberts doubled their advantage on 35 minutes with a clinical finish after running on to a Greg Hackett through ball.
Oxford were 3-0 up five minutes later when Josh Ashby fired home a penalty after a foul on Roberts.
They almost added a fourth before the interval when Jamie Calvin hit the bar.
Southend rallied in the second half, with substitute Freddie Gard pulling a goal back early on.
But Oxford defended stoutly to secure a trip to Swansea City in the next round.
Oxford Utd: B Martin, Clarke, Cundy, McCormack, F Grant, Hackett, Ashby, George, Humphreys, Calvin, Roberts. Subs: Welch-Hayes, A Grant, Conte, Tetek, D Martin.
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