Tyler Goodrham scored his first goal for Oxford United since last November
Championship side Oxford United narrowly saw off League Two Colchester United in the first round of the Carabao Cup at the Kassam Stadium.
Tyler Goodrham's superb ninth-minute strike separated the two sides. He curled the ball into the top corner of Colchester keeper Matt Macey's net from 25 yards out.
Oxford boss Gary Rowett opted to name a strong side and one of five players to keep his place from the side that started against Portsmouth on Saturday, 22-year-old Goodrham, nudged his team in front with a beautiful long-ranger.
On the other flank, Matt Phillips looked to repeat the feat but his curling shot from the left was terrifically tipped around the post by Macey to keep Colchester's deficit to one.
Colchester did not, however, look like a side playing two divisions below their opponents, and John-Kymani Gordon's shot for the visitors had to be pushed out by Oxford keeper Jamie Cumming.
The half-time interval saw the introduction of forward Kyreece Lisbie and his pace in behind initially caused Oxford's defenders problems.
The Championship side soon stemmed the tide and Cameron Brannagan's long-range pile-driver would have effectively put the match to bed but for another impressive save by former Arsenal youngster Macey.
In the closing stages, Oxford should have wrapped up the victory but when sent through on goal by Sam Long, substitute Gatlin O'Donkor could only strike his effort against the legs of the onrushing Macey.
Post-match reaction
Oxford United boss Gary Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford:
"It was a really good workout. Colchester were a little bit similar to us - they didn't make too many changes from the team at the weekend.
"I thought there were some good bits - we tried a new formation, so there are always going to be some bits that work well and bits that are a bit more challenging.
"I would expect us to kick on another gear and take the game away from them but it wasn't to be.
"I think [at] the weekend we didn't show the quality we needed to on the ball, so I just wanted to feel like we could do that tonight."
Danny Cowley upbeat despite Colchester cup exit at Oxford (BBC Essex Sport)
