Oxford United Women beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 at the MGroup Stadium yesterday afternoon as they move up to third in the National League South.
An early first-half finish from Phoebie Poole was the difference as the Yellows continued their unbeaten run and climbed to third in the league.
Poole opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the match after a great cut back by Zoe Barrett, who found her in space. Poole calmly slotted her effort into the bottom left corner of the net to give the U’s the lead.
Oxford were awarded a free kick just outside the 18-yard box, Barratt stepping up, but her effort sailed over the Plymouth goal. United continued to push for a second goal but couldn’t add to their tally before the interval.
After the break, Oxford keeper Beth Howard and the backline stood firm, with Plymouth trying to find an equaliser as they started the second half strongly.
Just before the hour mark, Oxford nearly made it two from a corner. A scramble in the box resulted in the away side clearing the ball away.
The Yellows again were awarded another free kick just outside the box. This time it was Kate Wiseman who stepped up, but her effort missed the target.
Oxford grew into the second half, dominating and keeping possession well. Argyle were still a threat, Ella Stephens' shot for the Pilgrims went just wide of Howard’s goal.
In the last 10 minutes, United pushed for a second. Wiseman found substitute Cecily Wellesley-Smith on the left, the defender strode towards goal and her effort stung the palms of Lily Felgate in the Plymouth goal.
A few moments later, again Oxford probed, but Barratt's and substitute Issy Bryant's efforts were well saved by Felgate.
The Yellows held on to all three points with a solid defensive display and all-round performance which deserved the win.
After the game, manager Sam Rose said: “We kept a clean sheet, we dug in. They had a bit about them, they created a few chances and they are a threat so to keep them out, I’m really pleased with that.
"It’s another win, another clean sheet and I can’t ask for more.”
The Yellows are back in action next Sunday as they travel to Lewes at the Dripping Pan stadium, kick-off 2:00pm.
United: Howard, Gibson, Wiseman, Creaney, Legg (Gotch 90+5), Barratt, Poole (Bryant 84), Jenkins, Lindbaek (Trinder 46), Burridge, (Richardson 68), Barrett (Wellesley-Smith 68)
Attendance: 246
Report: Caitlin Webb
