On-loan striker Jordan Rhodes netted his first two senior goals as Oxford United defeated Merthyr Tydfil 2-1 at the Welsh club's Penydarren Park in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on Saturday afternoon.

The 17-year-old opened his account in the 53rd minute and in spectacular style, according to Oxford's official site: “Receiving the ball with his back to goal on the left, Rhodes controlled, drifted past his man then cut back in from the left and set himself. As soon as the ball left his boot it was going in, and from 25 yards it flew, dipped, and flashed into the top right corner of the net for a magnificent goal.”

After the home side had equalised Rhodes, described by the Oxford site as the best player on the pitch, drilled in his second from the right of the penalty area.

The Town youngster would have scored an earlier goal towards the end of the first half, but Martyrs keeper Ashley Morris pulled him back as he was about to stroke the ball home from the edge of the area when through, the glovesman surprisingly receiving only a yellow card.

Rhodes has now made three starts and one sub appearance since joining Jim Smith's club earlier in the month. Oxford will face on Northwich Victoria in the FA Cup first round proper.

Photo: Action Images

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