CALLUM O’Dowda compared Oxford United’s attacking unit to the Red Arrows after they tore Notts County apart with some superb football in a 3-1 victory.

The 20-year-old changed the game when he was brought off the bench to replace Patrick Hoban after only 32 minutes at the Kassam Stadium.

At that stage County were leading, but O’Dowda equalised before the break and set up Kemar Roofe to put United in front.

After wasting a host of chances, including an Alex MacDonald penalty which was saved, Danny Hylton, who was unplayable at times, struck to seal a thrilling victory on 78 minutes.

O’Dowda said: “It was fun, especially the second half.

“It felt like every time we won the ball it was a counter-attack, we had players running and it was like the Red Arrows everywhere.

“I think the boys were excellent – we could’ve had so many more goals – the penalty, my header, Hylts, Roofey. We could have got at least six.


“We got the result we wanted, it is officially a good start but we need to keep it going.”

It was only the second time in Michael Appleton’s coaching career he had made a tactical change before half-time.

The U’s boss felt he had to act swiftly and revealed there were question marks over Hoban’s fitness ahead of the match.

He said: “Pat had a few stomach cramps before the game.

“He said he was fine, but from the first five minutes he just didn’t look himself and I didn’t want to wait until half-time.

“It was an opportunity to get Callum on and get more pace up top because the two centre halves struggled with balls down the side of them.”

He added: “Our football was absolutely magnificent at times, it was breathtaking and my worry was we just weren’t going to take enough chances.”

“They’re a decent side and will do damage this season, so I was absolutely delighted with the way the players went about their business.”

United have struggled at home in recent seasons, but even when they trailed the atmosphere at the Kassam Stadium was upbeat.

O’Dowda added: “It was excellent. Even when things didn’t work for us the fans were still driving us on.”