DAVID Farrell left Stanley Park feeling as though Swindon Town had lost their latest Youth Alliance fixture against Oxford United, after surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2.

First-year scholar Anthony Lynn – who has impressed Farrell in recent weeks – put Town ahead before Anthony Cheshire doubled the hosts’ lead after half-time.

But a pair of Oxford strikes levelled the game as Town’s youngsters dropped their first points of the season, though they remain unbeaten with two wins and a draw.

Farrell admitted Town’s U18s took their foot off the gas following Cheshire’s strike, and said the game will act as a learning curve.

He added: “We allowed Oxford back into the game really.

“It’s part of a learning curve for the youngsters, it’s about game management.

“Oxford went more direct after our second goal – but we definitely let them back into the game rather than them undoing us.

“From my experience so far, our games against Oxford have been highly competitive – players want to win those games just as much as they would at first-team level.

“Oxford were keen to get back on level terms, and they did go a bit wild when they equalised – and that’s natural.

“We’re disappointed, and left feeling like we had lost the game. The players were disappointed.”

Town’s youngsters are at home again on Saturday when Yeovil Town visit Stanley Park.

The Glovers lost their opening fixture of the season 4-1 to Portsmouth, but Farrell expects to welcome players that can retain possession well and play technically.

He added: “Yeovil will be a tough game, as they all are.

“But our boys have been training full-time for six weeks now, and they’ll be getting stronger as time goes on.

“They’re applying themselves well to the gym sessions on a daily basis. From what I can see, they’re good learners, which is good.

“But, there is still a long way to go yet.

“For the second years, we have to constantly review them.”