Oxford United Women’s last home game of 2017 ended in a disappointing defeat to Doncaster Rovers Belles in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup.
Heading into the match having lost their first three games of the competition, Oxford knew they were already out of the Cup. However, they fielded a strong side and looked to take the game to Doncaster.
After just one minute, Rovers were in front, the goal surrounded in controversy. A corner was whipped in and Rebecca Rayner got her head to it. Oxford goalie Claire Skinner had it safely in two hands but was standing behind the goal-line. The referee and his linesman both agreed the ball was fully over the line.
Not long after, Doncaster and Rayner had their second. A nice passing move resulted in the striker finding some space in the box and slotting the ball into the goal.
Oxford worked really well to stop the away side’s momentum, wrestling control of the game back onto their terms. In the 12th minute they found themselves back in the game, Dan Carlton floating a ball into the box for defender Hannah Short to flick a header into the net.
“Fantastic block/tackle from Short” was a common theme for the Oxford United Twitter (@OfficialOUWFC) as the centre-back put in a dominant performance.
Unfortunately, in the second half, Belles pulled away. The Yellows found their shots being smothered by goalkeeper Nicky Davies.
Goals from Christie Murray and Jessica Sigsworth within five minutes of each other gave the away side a 4-1 lead before Murray scored her second, a terrific long-range shot, condemning Oxford to a 5-1 defeat.
United are in WSL 2 action this Saturday when they visit London Bees (2pm kick off).
OUWFC: Skinner, Lee (Haynes 61), Short, Yorston (Allen 87), Hillman, Carlton, Williams (Noble 70), Hines, Oliver, Donovan, Chivers
Attendance: 172