Oxford United Women beat Oxford City Women 1-0 in the Oxfordshire County Cup final at Kidlington's Yarnton Road ground last night to end the season on a high.

United, fielding a very young side comprising players from the Development Squad, took a first-half lead through Ellie-Mae Richardson and they held on to retain the cup.

Having scored 44 goals without reply on their way to the final, the U's came up against their toughest opponents so far against City, who play in the Southern Regional Women's League.

United hit the post in the opening exchanges before taking the lead before the break when Richardson nipped in to score at close range following a set piece.

The U's tried to extend their lead but were thwarted on several occasions by the City goalkeeper, who made a number of good saves to keep her side in the contest.

City almost caught United on the break, but Cheyenne Flynn got back to deny Ellie White with a superb sliding tackle. The U's held on to win the game and end their season with another great result.

United: Crierie, Flynn, Woodhead, Dearlove (North), Harris-Beechers, Howes, Trinder, Richardson, Gray, Sellwood (Hoyle), Kinsella (McCulloch)

Photo: Darrell Fisher