Despite the damp conditions, a very entertaining game was won by Oxford by just a single goal, as Nicole Barrett’s long-range strike just before the hour beat Exeter keeper Abigail Bond for the only goal of the game.
Both sides looked to get off to a good start, with Exeter creating some early chances that didn’t unduly trouble United’s back line. Oxford’s first effort fell for Emma Thompson, who got her head to Barrett’s cross for Bow Jackson to head away for a corner after 12 minutes.
The visitors created the best chance of the first half five minutes later, as they broke clear through Maddie Durant. She had only Beth Wookey to beat, but the U’s keeper made an outstanding save to turn Durant’s lob aside.
The first period finished with both sides continuing to look in vain for a breakthrough but neither quite managing to find that bit of magic to unlock the opponents’ defences.
Exeter started the second half on the front foot, with Sarah Stacey sending over the cross of the day that was just a foot too far in front of Sophie Gillies.
But it was Oxford that made the all-important breakthrough in the 58th minute. Barrett drove down the right touchline and swung the ball into the area. Bond appeared deceived by the flight of the ball that ended up nestling in the far corner.
It was the game’s pivotal moment, giving United a lead to defend and forcing Exeter to be more adventurous, leaving them exposed at the back.
Substitute Holly Turner allowed Oxford to hold up the ball at the top end of the pitch, and the forward came close to doubling the lead, firing just over from a tight angle. Player of the Match Shaunna Jenkins was the next to trouble Bond, her well-drilled low volley from a free kick was pushed aside by the Exeter keeper at full stretch.
With Exeter reduced to long-range efforts in the second half, all United had to do was limit the space for the visitors and, after an excruciatingly long stoppage time, the U’s were able to celebrate what could prove to be a very significant win.
After the game, manager Sam Rose said: “It was a fully deserved win. I think the effort put in by the players today – not just the starters but those that came on as well – was superb. I couldn’t ask for anymore.
“I think we had control of it in the first half, but a lot of the play was in our half, and we struggled to get up the pitch at times. In the second half we stretched the game, and I felt we were way more dangerous and on the front foot, and that’s when the goal was scored.
“Towards the end we were holding on, but I didn’t think we were going to concede a goal today. It was a really hard-fought win.”
UNITED: Wookey, Bedeau, Casley, Barrett, Legg, Thompson (Turner 65 (Sealey 90+3)), Jenkins, Lindbaek, Palmer, Barker, Manders (Wiseman 81)
Attendance: 181
