Enjoyable game on 3G surface

Two goals in the opening eight minutes decided this match as United looked rusty, having not played for a month, on a match switched to Oxford City’s 3G pitch.

United’s promising start was undone when Emily Sherwood blocked a shot only for April England to poke the ball home from close range in the fifth minute. The lead was doubled three minutes later when centre back attempted to clear the ball to her own keeper but lofted it over Sherwood into the net.

Despite this setback, United steadied themselves holding a firm defensive line that regularly caught the lively Oxford forwards off side.

The first half saw Woodley used the width well in particular Ellen Surtees but rarely troubled home custodian Natalie Morris while they were fortunate not to go into the break three down when another off side close to half time saw the home team have a “goal” disallowed.

The second half started in strong fashion for United with Morris being called on to make three good saves and this set the tone for the half which Woodley dominated with the cross bar being hit and Bonnie Messitt firing over. However, the match was settled in the eighty first minute with Woodley static at a corner allowing Rachel Mariam, who had been a threat all game, to head home.