Oxford United Women scored a last-minute wonder strike to earn a deserved draw against Doncaster Rovers Belles.
The first half offered little in terms of clear-cut chances, with both defences making crucial interceptions to stop any attacking threat. Twice, Emily Allen was nearly played through, only to see last-ditch tackles from Doncaster defenders stop her progress. Allen also had Oxford’s first shot on target with a left-footed shot from a corner lacking any real power.
In the 22nd minute Christie Murray gave Doncaster the lead with a fantastic volley. A corner was headed to the edge of the box, only to be met by a sweet right-footed strike from the Belles forward.
Chloe Chivers and Hannah Short had chances just after the half-hour mark as Oxford looked for a response. Chivers had a shot well saved by Doncaster keeper Jules Draycott, and Short had a flicked header from a Steph Williams free-kick.
Just 14 minutes into the second half, Oxford equalised. Short made a great tackle in her own box and drove forward with purpose, she composed herself and slotted an inch-perfect pass through to Chivers. The striker found herself in space, storming towards the Doncaster box she took the shot early, firing low and hard into the bottom corner.
In the 83rd minute Doncaster scored their second. Rebecca Raynor managed to keep the ball in play at the by-line, slid it past Demi Lambourne in the Oxford goal, and gave Murray an open goal to slot the ball into.
With three minutes of injury time played, Oxford won a free-kick on the edge of the box and up stepped Kayleigh Hines. She placed her set piece perfectly into the top corner: a sensational strike which gave Oxford the point they deserved. Lambourne consolidated the point with a brilliant save, one-on-one, with the last kick of the game.
United: Lambourne, Franklin-Fraiture (Gane), Short, Williams, Hillman, Hines, Noble (Yorston), Donovan, Allen, Chivers, Oliver (Pickett)
Attendance: 231