Oxford United Women’s Development Squad beat Oxford City Women 6-0 in the County Cup Semi-Final at Court Place Farm yesterday.
Oana Negrea scored four, with Chez Williams and Lois Joslyn also getting on the scoresheet in what was a convincing victory for the U’s.
The first team were in attendance watching, and then went to train ahead of their midweek clash with London Bees in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division on Wednesday night.
The game was also an opportunity for Captain Lauren Haynes to get minutes under her belt as she returns from a 3 month ankle injury.
Development Squad Manager George Anthony said
“It was good performance overall, there were some bits in the first half that we wanted to do better and we challenged the girls at half time to do that. It was nice to get some pictures out that we wanted to get out and the things we challenged them with they tried to implement which is great.
“It’s nice for them to have some of the more experienced players around them because it’s another way that they can learn how we want to play football and develop their careers. It helps drive them on the pitch and they don’t get that all the time.
First Team Coach Kath Faulkner told us
“They made it hard for us, and we went over some bits at half time and we did those things really well despite a very well organised team and we had to try and figure out how to break them down.
“A few of the younger players did really well and took on some leadership roles which we haven’t really seen before. It was also great to get some minutes for Lozz and a few of the other older members and so from our side we are really pleased to see the continuing development.
“It’s been really important for myself, Liam and Chez, and for George and James and everyone in the Development Side, that players can come through the system and come into our set up and it’s not overawing, they understand the language and how we play. We are creating a real identity through the squads so you can see an Oxford United Women as a whole.”
The U’s are now ready for an important League fixture at The Hive on Wednesday night, as they face London Bees in the Southern Premier Division, looking to build momentum and close the gap on top spot.