Oxford United Women left it late against Middlesbrough at the MGroup Stadium, but they achieved a dramatic comeback victory to secure a place in the Fifth Round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup.
After a goalless first half, Boro took the lead in the 73rd minute through a breakaway goal scored by Steph Ferguson. United battled back but it wasn’t until the 85th minute that they equalised through Maisy Barker. Substitute Riva Casley put Oxford ahead in the 90th minute and four minutes later, Holly Manders put the result beyond doubt to send the U’s into Monday’s draw.
The first ever meeting between these two sides got off to a slow start, with the teams largely cancelling each other out. It’s not surprising that it was a tight game, as both United and Boro sit in the equivalent positions in their respective Southern and Northern Premier Divisions of the Women’s National League.
Boro shaded the first half, with their high pressing and pacy forwards causing the Oxford defence some problems. However, it was the Yellows that had the better of the second half, with some crisp passing and speed on the wings pressing the visitors back.
It was therefore against the run of play when Middlesbrough took the lead. A mistake in the Oxford back line allowed Ferguson through on goal. It looked like Shaunna Jenkins had done enough to prevent the chance, but Ferguson was quickest to the loose ball to slot the ball home.
United refused to let themselves be knocked out of their stride and they continued to look for a way back into the game. It came with five minutes remaining, when Barker’s driven cross took a deflection and ended in the back of the Boro net.
The momentum now was with the U’s but would there be enough time to get a second goal and prevent the tie going to extra time? Of course there was, and it came from Casley, who had come off the bench for Shaunna Jenkins just six minutes earlier. A Grace Palmer corner was sent to the back post, where Casley leapt above everyone to power her header into the goal.
With the fans still celebrating, United scored a spectacular third to put aside any fears of a Boro revival. United broke forward and the ball found Manders 20 yards out. Her lofted shot beat Megan Borthwick to ensure the Yellows went through to the last 16.
After the game, manager Liam Gilbert reflected on his sixth successive win: “The first half was a battle and a bit of a fight. I was a little bit disappointed in the manner in which we conceded the goal, but one thing I’ve noticed within this group is their character and resilience is phenomenal.
“The way that they picked each other up and the way that they’ve fought together and kept going was fantastic. The way that we scored our goals was amazing to see. I’m just so proud of everyone.”
The draw for the Fifth Round takes place on Monday 19 January.
UNITED: Wookey, Gibson, Wiseman, Bedeau, Barrett, Thompson, Sealey (Provan 79), Jenkins (Casley 79), Palmer, Barker, Manders (Richardson 90+7)
Attendance: 477
