Oxford United Women reacted excellently to losing their first game of the season last weekend with a hard fought 2-1 victory at Billericay Town Women yesterday.
The win, and results elsewhere, means that United remain one point off Portsmouth in first place with a game in hand.
They were forced to come from behind, when Jay Blackie sent a venomous half volley into the top left corner, but equalised on the stroke of half time through Iesha Swaby. Carly Johns then ensured that the U’s took home all three points with her thirteenth goal of the season, a superb strike from the edge of the box.
There was also a debut for new arrival Jenna Legg, who came on in the 73rd minute and played a part in the winning goal.
Goal scorer Swaby said
“It was a difficult game and we knew after last week’s result that we had to come back and get a result. Going down we knew we had to have the right mentality and we knew we could do it.
“The goal just before half time was great, we knew how that feels to concede against Bristol two weeks ago. Going into the second half we knew we could get the win, we love to press and win the ball back in the final third and it worked.”
Manager Liam Gilbert told us
“It was a very gutsy performance; the way the games have gone the last few weeks we were lacking a bit of confidence at times today but the way the girls dug in and fought for each other was fantastic to see.
“The reaction and the impact the subs made was excellent; the ability to bring on the subs that we did today is fantastic and just shows you the competition and level that we’ve got within the squad. Jenna was heavily involved in the second goal and Amy and Tash came on and did their job very well.
On the first goal, Gilbert said
“It’s a mentality thing for us, Iesha’s gone and nicked it off the keeper but that’s because Daisy and Sarah have cut off passing lines and Carly has taken up the space in the pocket.
“We were a little impatient at times but in the second half we learnt our lessons from last week and didn’t rush things. We’re happy to get back to winning ways and give a bit more confidence and belief to the group because it’s been a tough couple of weeks.”
The U’s now have a break from the Southern Premier Division as they face Oxford City Women at Court Place Farm this Sunday, the 19th of February, in the Oxfordshire County Cup.