Report | Argyle Women 0 Oxford United 2
Argyle Women 0
Oxford United Women 2
Burridge 2, 53
Argyle lost 2-0 in their first home fixture of 2022/23, with Leah Burridge’s double for Oxford enough to give them a win on the road.
Burridge scored just two minutes into the game, and struck again in the second half to ensure the three points would head back to Oxfordshire.
Midfielder Burridge’s first goal was a close-range effort, carved out by Oxford forward Sarah King from an early cross. The U’s dominated the half with a range of chances both from a distance and close range. Had it not been for Argyle goalkeeper Jasmine Read defiantly clearing and collecting all that was thrown her way, Oxford’s half-time lead could have been greater.
Argyle struggled for chances and possession in the first half of the home tie, with only one shot on goal being recorded before the break. They would improve after the interval, but not before Oxford got a second goal
Burridge doubled her personal tally and her team's lead after finding the target from a deep cross to the back post.
Argyle manager Ryan Perks looked to quickly respond, making an early second-half substitution which saw forward Kaitlyn Morgan-Hemmens replaced by Amber Pollock who came on and began to cause problems for Oxford from the get-go.
The Greens began to change the balance of the game and chances started to come thick and fast, perhaps the best falling to Lily Greenslade. A well-placed ball over the defence from skipper Zoe Cunningham looked to put Greenslade through on goal, but Oxford's goalkeeper had already come out to meet her and cleared the chance of any danger.
Midfielders Cunningham and Jemma Rose looked to continue the Argyle bombardment with numerous quality passes, often finding the onrushing Pollock, however Oxford dug deep and thwarted any chance Argyle looked to get within the penalty area.
Oxford once again tested Read from close range but could not find a third. At the other end, substitutes Pollock and Tiana Campbell had the final chance of the game, but it wasn’t enough to deny the U’s a clean sheet away from home.
The home fans applauded the girls for their positive second-half display which tested the Oxford side on numerous occasions. Manager Ryan Perks also could be heard applauding his team for their hard work and determination throughout the second half.
All eyes now look towards Argyle's second away fixture of the season that sees them take on 12th-placed Bridgewater United, who will also be looking to secure their first win of the FAWNL Southern Premier Division season.
Argyle (4-3-3): 1 Jasmine Read, 3 Rosie Train, 5 Panagiota Papaioannou, 6 Lucy Hack, 2 Sophie Perrin, 18 Imy Crawford (14 Sam Cox), 10 Zoe Cunningham (capt), 4 Jemma Rose, 9 Kaitlyn Morgan-Hemmens (11 Amber Pollock), 7 Charlotte Whitmore, 27 Lily Greenslade (17 Tiana Campbell).
