Oxford United Women beat London Bees 5-1 away from home last night and with results elsewhere, moved a point off top spot Portsmouth with two games in hand.
Whilst the U’s were firing on full cylinders at the Hive, third placed Watford beat Portsmouth 2-0.
Liam Gilbert made four changes to his starting eleven, giving first starts to three new signings Amy Goddard, Jenna Legg and Tash Stephens, alongside Taome Oliver who came into midfield.
The changes worked perfectly; Goddard and Stephens both scored a brace and the two midfielders contributed to a dominant display in the middle of the park. Carly Johns also converted her 14th goal of the season from the penalty spot to round off a five star performance from the U's.
Goddard, scoring two towering headers from centre half, told us:
“I’m absolutely buzzing, what more could you want. The girls did really well and I have to thank Nay for both the assists on my goal, and I’m just really proud of all of us.
“I can bring a lot to this team and I think I’ve showed that today. To put on the shirt, that’s all you want to play for and it’s a dream come true to score two on my debut.
“They’re a great side and they’ve got some good indviduals and it’s always a tough battle away from home in midweek when we’ve all had work in the day so we are very proud.
“We dominated from the back. It’s just about being consistent now and we look ahead to league action now and keep building momentum.
“Liam said we found our identity again tonight, and for me to come in to the squad and show what I’m about and help build this squad on is brilliant. We’re all aiming towards that end goal that we all want.
The U's now have a break this weekend before travelling to Crawley Wasps the following Sunday, the 5th of March.