Oxford United Women bowed out of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup as underdogs Ashford Town pulled off a cup upset with a 3-0 win this afternoon.
In difficult conditions and freezing temperatures United never truly discovered their usual rhythm and were a goal down after ten minutes when a simple ball over the top caught out their back line and allowed Ashford to take the lead.
United had to withstand pressure after that but did create chances: Sarah King going close and top scorer Beth Lumsdem finding the angle too tight with a good chance just before the break.
United enjoyed a good spell after the restart with both King and Lumsden going close again but with the wind in their favour Ashford made it 2-0 just after the hour, capitalising on a defensive slip, and then as United chased the game made sure of their progress after 83 minutes with a third goal that made the game safe.
Our congratulations to Ashford and good luck in the next round.
United
Sercombe, Ackerman (Leys), Baker, Beaver, Casley, King, Lumsden, Mackenzie, McLachlan, Stevens (Sims), Wallace (Sellwood).
Subs: French, Kite, Will
Pictures Darrell Fisher