PREVIEW Oxford United Women v Swindon Town

Women prepare for local derby on Super Sunday

7 October 2021

Oxford United Women have a huge National League Cup game this Sunday when they take on local rivals Swindon Town at Court Place Farm (12KO).

Liam Gilbert’s side will be fresh after having their midweek clash with Hounslow called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Sunday’s game is the Preliminary round of the competition, United having reached this stage with a 2-1 win at AFC Wimbledon last month.

Swindon play in National League Division One South West, one tier below the U’s in the pyramid. and Gilbert knows that controlling emotions will be important on derby day.

“The mentality is one game at a time and that Sunday isn’t any different to other games and obviously it is a cup game, and we want to progress.

“The group we have got are great and we won’t change who we are regardless of the opposition.”

“We have our own identity and stick to that and that’s what we will do on Sunday.”

The United women’s boss is also hopeful of a big crowd to cheer his side on.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to get fans in, hopefully for the entire day for the double header with the Mickey Lewis Memorial Game and go to both events.

“It will also give us a great opportunity to show new spectators what we are all about.”

Men’s first-team manager Karl Robinson will be at Court Place Farm, among the many who will take in the derby before heading to the Mickey Lewis Memorial Game later in the afternoon.

Robinson said: “It is a really big one, me and many of the first team squad including Matty Taylor and Cameron Brannagan will be there for both games. It is against Swindon, and we do need that support.”

Tickets

Adults- £5
Concessions-£3
Under 16-free

Supporters who hold a Women’s Team Season Ticket, Men’s Team Season Ticket, or match ticket to the Mickey Lewis Memorial Match can gain access to the showdown with the Robins for just £1.

Match Reports

REPORT Oxford United Women 5 Swindon Town 0

Women go through in League Cup

10 October 2021

Oxford United eased into the next round of the National League Cup with a comfortable 5-0 win against local rivals Swindon Town. A first-half hat-trick from Sophie Baker set United on their way before Beth Lumsden scored two after the break to complete the scoring.

United took the lead with their first chance of the game. Lauren Haynes' corner from the right was headed in by Sophie Baker who leapt highest in the area.

Five minutes later Liam Gilbert’s side thought they had a second, but Carly Johns effort was ruled out for offside.

United and Baker’s tally for the afternoon was doubled half an hour in. Johns burst down the right and cut the ball back to the onrushing Baker who swept into the corner.

Two minutes later Baker had completed her hat-trick. More good work from Johns who saw her shot saved by the keeper but straight into the path of the in-form Baker who had the simple task of finishing and she obliged.

United continued to pile on the pressure in the second half. Rachel Panting coming close with two efforts but they both sailed over the cross bar.

It was 4-0 on the hour mark when Lumsden scored the pick of the goals. She cut inside onto her right foot before unleashing a powerful strike that dipped into the top corner.

Liam Gilbert made a host of changes with the game seemingly wrapped up as he looked to share minutes around for his players.

United didn’t drop off though and could have added further gloss to the score line with Lumsden and Riva Casley both having efforts saved by the Swindon keeper.

Lumsden did get her second and United’s fifth of the afternoon when she was played in by Johns and drilled into the bottom corner.

An excellent performance and result from United’s women.

OUWFC TEAM: Sercombe, Wallace(Beaver 61), MacKenzie, Casley, Alexander (Ackerman 64), Haynes(Stevens 61), Baker (Childerhouse 72), Lumsden, King(McLachlan 61), Panting, Johns.

Report by Jack Sale, pictures Darrell Fisher