JOSH Ashby and Callum O'Dowda were on target as Oxford United went down 3-2 to Bournemouth in a development game at Roman Way.

Ashby put United in front on seven minutes with a precise curled free-kick.

But the lead was only brief, with the visitors quickly levelling with a volley from range which took a wicked deflection to leave goalkeeper Max Crocombe with no chance.

United, who fielded two unnamed triallists in the back four, controlled the rest of the half.

Josh Ruffels headed against the woodwork, while both the midfielder and O'Dowda forced smart saves with stinging shots.

The pressure paid off three minutes before the break, when O'Dowda made it 2-1 at the second attempt after an incisive run from Sam Humphreys.

United had chances to extend the lead after the restart.

Josh Shama had a header well saved, while Jon Meades close-range finish was ruled out for offside.

Bournemouth finished strongly, levelling again 17 minutes from time and they nicked a winner in the 90th minute.

Oxford Utd: Crocombe, Triallist, Triallist, Raynes, Meades (Jones 81), Hawtin, Ashby, Ruffels, Humphreys, O'Dowda, Shama.