1 week Ago
A first half light on goalmouth action saw the teams enter the break yet to open the scoring, although Layla Kenly went through on goal seven minutes before half-time for the hosts, but drilled her effort into the gloves of Beth Howard. United did have the ball in the net three minutes into the second period. A free kick just outside the penalty area gave Kate Wiseman the opportunity to send the ball in, and Nic Gibson was able to poke home, however the flag was raised against the U’s.
With 10 minutes to go, Wiseman sent another free kick into the penalty box, but this time, Katie O’Hanlon punched the ball away. READ ALSO: The key talking points as U’s give survival hopes a big boost The breakthrough came shortly afterward though, as Phoebie Poole collected a long pass before driving her way into the penalty area and smashing home. O’Hanlon saved to deny United a second goal, and the visitors hit the post in the closing stages as the lead was sought to be doubled.
U’s manager Sam Rose said: “I’m pleased to win the game. They made it difficult for us and got lots of bodies behind the ball. “We changed it and tried something a little bit different in terms of our shape, but I’m really pleased with the effort and attitude of the players.
“We played some good football and played with some quality, and maybe could’ve got a couple of goals more later on, but we’ll take it because they’ve made it difficult for us.” CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE OXFORD MAIL ONLINE (Image: Newsquest) Poole added: “It definitely was a frustrating game. We did that for ourselves though.
It was a new formation, and some really good football played, so I’m happy with the win.” On her goal, Poole said: “It was a nice long ball over from Cec [Cecily Wellesley-Smith] and I just touched it over the defender. “The keeper came out, I wasn’t expecting it, and I just shot.
It was well-blocked, and then I’ve seen the ball hit the floor and I’ve just smashed it in really.” The victory leaves United fifth in the Southern Premier Division, nine points clear of both Lewes and AFC Wimbledon, and three points shy of fourth-placed Exeter City. The U’s end the season at home on April 27, welcoming Hashtag United, who are three points behind leaders Ipswich Town, but with a goal difference 36 less than the leaders.
Poole said: “I’m really excited. It’ll be a good turnout hopefully. We’re at home, so we’re really excited.
It’s the last game, so we’ve got to put it all in there.”.
