Oxford United Women struck seven past Hounslow yesterday to send The U’s top of the Women’s National League.
Two goals apiece from Taome Oliver and Emily Allen plus strikes from Carly Johns, Kayleigh Hines and Abbie Bensted sealed the 7-0 away victory.
United looked to continue last weekend’s good form and took an early lead when strong hold-up play before a clever turn allowed Molly Peters to square the ball to Oliver, who was presented with a tap in to give United the early advantage in West London.
There was no let-up for Hounslow with Hines spearheading United’s attack and going down in the box for a penalty. However, the home side would have breathed a sigh of relief when Allen was unable to convert the spot-kick.
On 20 minutes United cranked up the pressure once again and Oliver’s volley sailed over the bar minutes before Johns doubled the lead. Some good build-up play from United resulted in Peters being in a prime position to square the ball across to Johns who struck The U’s' second.
Liam Gilbert’s side struck close to each side of half time also, Oliver scoring her second of the day from Johns’ back-post cross shortly before the interval before Allen got United off to a fantastic start after the break with her sweet strike to put The U’s four goals to the good.
Hines, making her first start of the season after returning from injury, marked the occasion with a goal. Her well-placed free kick on 57 minutes led the way to the star midfielder earning the Player of the Match award and putting her side firmly in the driving seat.
Allen scored her second of the day soon afterwards with her half-volley being lifted over the goalkeeper’s reach before Bensted came off the bench to score her first goal for the club with a follow-up header in the final minutes.
Elsewhere, Crawley’s victory against Watford means that United go top of the Women’s National League as they return to Court Place Farm next weekend to face Cardiff.
United:
Kite, Wallace, Sims, Haynes, Hines, Oliver (Bensted), Baker (McLachlan), Johns, Allen, Mackenzie, Peters (Brown).Unused subs: Sercombe, Beaver.
Report by Jacob Gill and photo from Darrell Fisher.