Oxford United Women had a fantastic year in the 22/23 season, despite narrowly missing out on the Southern Premier Division title. Women’s General Manager Gemma Sims told us
“We’ve made really big strides this year, on and off the pitch and although we missed out on our goal at the last hurdle, we have to reflect on what has been a really positive season.
“Coming into this role this year, I’ve seen so much growth already and that’s really exciting for next year and the seasons to follow. We’ve had great support from the club to allow that to happen and it’s been a special season.
“There are so many positives to look at; our league position, youth development, growing Women’s football in Oxfordshire, going another season unbeaten at home and the inspiration that that has provided for our local communities.
“Our focus now is to regroup after a tough final game, which we’ve already begun doing, and kick on to go one better next year. With the support we’ve had from fans and volunteers, for which we are unbelievably grateful, I see no reason as to why we can’t do that".
Title Challengers
The U’s missed out on the FAWNL Southern Premier Division title on the final day, having only lost three games all season. They were in a remarkable three-horse title race with Ipswich Town and Watford, which the latter won in the last 90 minutes.
United Women boasted the second-best defence in the League, only conceding on 15 occasions, as well as the second-best attack in the division, scoring 53 times. Unfortunately, the only game that the U’s failed to score in was the final day defeat to Ipswich.
Despite the way it ended, the U’s played some scintillating football and can be very proud of the way they applied themselves all year long.
Development Double
It wasn’t just the First Team that were successful, the Development Squad managed to win a League and Cup Double in only their third season as a club.
Manager George Anthony led his side to FAWNL Reserve League Cup Final victory on penalties at the Pirelli Stadium against West Bromwich Albion Development, thanks to two wonderful penalty saves from Caitlin Crierie, before picking up the Reserve South East and Central Division Title two weeks later.
Young players that have progressed though Oxford United Women’s pathway shined in the Development Squad’s season but played their part for the first team as well. Most notably, Jess Gray captained the side that won the Oxfordshire County Cup Final and won Young Player of the Year.
WFA Cup Fourth Round
United also had a strong run in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, progressing to the Fourth Round after beating Liskeard Athletic Women, Chesham United Ladies and Plymouth Argyle Women, scoring 22 goals along the way.
Unfortunately, they met their match when they were defeated 4-0 by eventual Barclay’s Women’s Championship winners Bristol City Women, but that defeat put fire in the bellies for the rest of the season.
Individual Successes
Amongst the fantastic team effort, the U’s also saw some superb individual performances across the season.
Carly Johns won the League’s Golden Boot for her 15 goals in 22 games, whilst Crieire picked up the Golden Glove for the Development Squad’s Division.
Naomi Cole also registered the most assists in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, providing for her team mates 15 times.
Manager Liam Gilbert and Coach Kath Faulkner also both took charge of their 100th game for the club, in which time they have steered the club to an unimaginable three-plus years unbeaten in the League at Court Place Farm.
Overall, an incredible season for Oxford United Women, that has left determination amongst the troops to make next year even better.