Report | Oxford United 2 Argyle Women 0
Oxford 2
Stephens 35, Goddard 45 +1
Argyle 0
Two headed goals, both from set pieces, were enough to give promotion-seeking Oxford United a victory as Argyle Women were unable to gain any points on the road this weekend.
Tash Stephens gave the U’s the lead from a corner on 35 minutes, with Amy Goddard doubling the advantage in first-half stoppage time, nodding in a free-kick.
Argyle responded with a second half spent on the front foot, but Oxford contained their visitors, and saw out the victory.
Despite Argyle keeping the home side on their toes with numerous counter-attacks spearheaded by the attacking three of Lily Greenslade, Charlotte Whitmore and the returning Rosie McDonnell. chances on goal were limited, with free kicks and shots from range being the only major dangers for keeper Rose Kite.
Oxford got the first major chance of the first half in the 19th minute. A cross from a free-kick flew towards the far post, finding an Oxford foot. The shot rattled off the underside of the crossbar and away from danger.
After this incredibly close call, Argyle attempted to regain control of the game. Whitmore and Wilson had half-chances, but Kite continued to react well, rushing off her line to meet any ball through the defensive line.
Oxford's first goal came in the 35th minute from a corner kick. The ball delivered to the far post found Stephens lying in wait for a straightforward header.
Just over ten minutes later, a free kick awarded wide of the penalty area found the head of towering defender Goddard, who headed home the U’s second just before the half ended.
The second half saw Ryan Perks’ side begin to take control in the early stages. Argyle’s attempts to break down Oxford became more dynamic, and Perks used all five substitutes before the 70th minute to vary the attacking approach.
The Greens’ fightback fizzled, though, and Oxford began to regain control of the game. Chances crossed into the area became a persistent threat in the middle stages of the second half, although the shots either flew wide of the target or met the palms of the diving Jasmine Read.
The pendulum swung back in the final stages of the half, which were largely dominated by Argyle who attempted to fashion out chances from open play whenever they could. It was a professional defensive performance by Oxford, though, always keeping Argyle at arms’ length.
After a long stretch of games on the road, Argyle return to The Waterways Stadium, Saltash, this Sunday, where they will be hosting third-placed Watford.
Argyle: 1 Jasmine Read, 3 Rosie Train (11 Amber Pollock), 5 Pangiota Papaioannou, 6 Lucy Hack, 13 Katie Dickson (17 Tiana Campbell), 8 Kayley Lane, 18 Imy Crawford (20 Beth Ireland), 16 Georgia Wilson (10 Zoe Cunningham), 7 Charlotte Whitmore (9 Erin O’Shea), 23 Rosie McDonnell, 27 Lily Greenslade.
