Oxford United Women's fightback in vain as Sunderland score late winner
A valiant United were narrowly beaten 3-2 at home to league leaders Sunderland on Sunday. After finding themselves 2-0 down to Sophie Williams and Keira Ramshaw goals after just 14 minutes, United appeared to be in trouble. But they responded excellently with two goals of their own thanks to Helen King's double. However, Ramshaw struck her second soon after to give the visitors all three points.The U's made just one change from the side which beat Watford the previous week as the injured Amy Chivers made way for Helen King. Goalkeeper Hannah Cox returned to the matchday squad after a lengthy spell on the treatment table, taking her place on the bench.
United started brightly on the front foot, forcing two quick corners in the opening minutes as they looked to establish an immediate foothold. But it was the visitors who would edge in front with just seven minutes played as Sophie Williams evaded the challenge of Laura Nichol before firing into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
They doubled the lead soon after when Beth Mead broke on the left-hand side before squaring for Keira Ramshaw to tap in. What followed was a spell of Sunderland pressure as they effectively boxed United into their own half.
Rachel Furness could have made it three shortly before the break, getting a powerful head on a swerving corner but goalkeeper Demi Lambourne did well to get down and hold her attempt.
And just moments later the U's pulled one back as the Sunderland defence failed to deal with a lofted free-kick into the box, allowing Helen King to poke home.
King was again the hero after the break as she headed United back onto even terms, rising above the crowd to head in Jemma Connor-Iommi's dangerous free-kick.
But the sides were level for just four minutes. Moments after Laura Low could have headed United in front for the first time, the visitors went straight up the other end and reestablished their lead. Mead picked out Ramshaw in space in front of goal and the Sunderland striker needed no second invitation to strike home.
United pushed on in search of an equaliser late on, but despite their best efforts they were unable to find a way past a solid Sunderland defence.
United: Lambourne, Nichol, Osborne-Ricketts, King, Connor-Iommi, Hines, Nutman, Allison, Low (Simmonds 68), Stanley, Franklin-Fraiture. Subs not used: Cox, Pickett, Bruce.
Attendance: 214