KARL Robinson insists Oxford United’s youngsters will be better for the experience after their 4-1 defeat at Cambridge United.

The U’s made 11 changes for the Papa John’s Trophy Group H opener, with nine teenagers in the squad.

United shaded the first half against a similarly second-string Cambridge side – until a horror three minutes saw former striker Sam Smith score twice and Luke McNally sent off.

Read the match report here

Dan Agyei pulled one back for the visitors, but Harvey Knibbs and Kai Yearn secured a comfortable victory late on as the hosts ran riot.

There were certainly areas for improvement, with the first three goals all coming from corners, but Robinson says it will help them going forward.

“We were probably the better team in the first half and they scored from two set-plays, which I’m furious about,” the U’s head coach said.

“I think seven players entered the pitch who were academy graduates.

“Sometimes losing is greater for young players’ development.

“I’ve raved over JJ (Josh Johnson) and Gats (Gatlin O’Donkor) for a while now and you’ve seen their quality.

“But the learning curve now is massive.”

Johnson and Tyler Goodrham made their full debuts, along with new signing Herbie Kane.

There were also debuts for Clinton Nosakhare and Josh Anifowose off the bench and Robinson knows it is a different environment.

He said: “The reality is, we’ve lost a game of football.

“It goes down in my record, it goes down in the club’s record, we lose out on money tonight for not winning.

“When you lose, it has an implication on the football club.”