Oxford United Women will aim to extend their lead at the top of the WNL Southern Premier Division on Wednesday when they welcome Real Bedford to the MGroup Stadium.
United have won every league match this season, conceding only once, and are six points clear of second-place Fulham.
It’s a return to league action for Liam Gilbert’s side, who comfortably defeated AFC Portchester 5-0 in the First Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday. Several youth players featured in a rotated team, with goals coming from Ellie-Mae Richardson, Shelly Provan, Sophie Quirk and a first for Girls’ Academy product Abbie Carpenter.
Last time out in the league, Oxford came back from a losing position to win 2-1 away to AFC Wimbledon. Top scorer Holly Manders equalised with a remarkable long-range free-kick before picking up her second-yellow of the match to reduce United to ten players. Despite the player disadvantage, it was the Yellows who found the winner. A dangerous cross from Quirk was turned in by substitute Emma Thompson to maintain United’s 100% winning start to the season.
Real Bedford come into Wednesday’s game off the back of a thumping 5-0 win in the FA Cup against Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers. In the league, the visitors have won three matches so far this season and currently sit eighth in the overall standings. They will be hoping to bounce back from a narrow 2-1 defeat to Exeter City in their last match.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, goalkeeper Beth Wookey said: “I think being under the lights is always exciting.
“The FA Cup is an amazing competition and we’re really happy to be through to the next round but now we’re looking forward to getting back into league action.
“Bedford are a team we had mixed results against last season so hopefully it’s a case of getting a bit of redemption for that and keeping our positive momentum going.”
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wednesday’s game will be a dedicated awareness match day. £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to breast cancer charities and players will warm up in pink to show their support.
This follows Oxford United Women’s strength and conditioning coach Erin Nicholson sharing her own personal story after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2026. In a video released this week, Erin shared her experiences with the aim of raising awareness for breast cancer and the importance of regularly checking yourself for any changes. Watch Erin's Story HERE.
For tomorrow’s match, students will also receive half-price entry on the gate. To purchase your tickets, please click HERE.
Come down to the MGroup Stadium and get behind the girls as they look to continue their electric start to the season. Kick-off is at 7:45pm on Wednesday 4 November.
