OXFORD United’s Reserves have been pipped to the Tote-sport.com Combination East Division title this week – on goal difference.

Ipswich’s 1-0 win at Luton on Tuesday meant the Cham-pionship club’s second string just overhauled Oxford.

Both clubs finished on 21 points from 12 games, but the Tractor Boys ended with a plus eleven goal difference, while Oxford’s was plus nine.

Nevertheless, it’s been a great first season back in the Combination for United, with players benefiting from competitive matches again.

Manager Chris Wilder said: “I’ve had to have an eye on the young players as well, and to have players like Aaron Woodley and Tyrone Marsh on the bench lately is good experience for them, that they’re in and around the first team.

“We’ve got high hopes for them. They’re still a long way off, but we want to make sure there’s a place for the young players in and around the area to come through.

“Aaron’s done that and been involved, and Tyrone’s done well for the youth team and deserves his chance.

“He’s been playing in the reserve league and I’ve been delighted with that.

“We missed out on goal difference in terms of winning the league.

“You always want to do your best, whether it’s reserve-team level, youth team or first team.”

Wilder says he is not going to throw in young players unless he believes they are up to the task.

“They have to be good en-ough, that is the main thing.

“I’m not going to put players in who we feel don’t deserve to be there, and we feel these boys do deserve to be there.

“Being on the bench is re-ward for their performances, and it’s good for me to see them in and around that environment.

“And it’s always good that the boys in and around the area know we are a club that is not just unbelievably foc-used on going and getting players from other clubs.”