After the Christmas break the Oxford United Ladies travelled away to Reading in the hope of kick-starting their season after a run of poor results. United were confident of a win having already beaten Reading comfortably on the first day of the season, but the game started slowly as both teams struggled to get a grip on the game and neither team was able to retain much possession. As the game wore on Oxford began to find their feet and began to string some neat passes together spreading the play well. When Reading were able to get the ball and try and play their attacks were easily snubbed out by the Oxford back four.

The breakthrough came at just the right time as Oxford were able to make their increasing pressure tell and after some good build up work on the left the ball fell to Becca Corbett whose 20 yard strike beat the keeper and went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Rejuvenated by the goal Oxford began to press and shortly after they found the net again. Oxford centre forward Stacey Coles got into a good position at the far side of the box and pulled back to fellow striker Bev Hirons. Bev was unable to get a shot away as Readings goalkeeper came out to clean and just about managed, but the ball fell to United’s winger, Steph Barras. The keeper managed to get a foot to Barras’ low drive, but could only watch as the ball ballooned over her head and dropped into the empty net behind.

United went into the half time break with a two goal lead and looking comfortable.

The second half begin in a much better fashion for United as they looked to get on top early. Oxford retained the ball excellently with every player looking to get the ball and playing it around comfortably. As the half wore on United needed to make all of this possession pay and not get lulled into a false sense of security, they needed another goal. That goal came from another well hit strike, this time from central midfielder Colleen Ashbee. A great finish and a shot that was just what United needed to kickstart the goals.

United started to rain shots in from all over the pitch and this pressure eventually resulted in another goal. A superbly taken corner from Barras caused confusion in the 6 yard box and resulted in one of the Reading players putting the ball into her own net. There was still time for two more goals though as Oxford didn’t let up. Substitute Amy Peacock made some excellent runs after coming on and one paid off as she found herself one on one and slotted home past the keeper with ease. After starting the scoring with her first of the season, Corbett finished the scoring in comedy fashion after a miss hit shot looped up over the stranded keeper and straight into the net.

A good day for Oxford and a confidence building performance all round; 6 goals, 3 points and a clean sheet. United now need to take this performance into Southampton next Sunday and beyond into the rest of the season.