Oxford United Women completed a good weekend for the U’s with an 11-1 win over North Leigh to go through in the County Cup in impressive style at Whitelands Park
United, taking a break from their National League campaign, were too strong for their Oxfordshire neighbours as they racked up 11 goals for the second time in a week despite making nine changes from the side that beat Hounslow 11-0 last weekend.
It took just 23 seconds for them to take the lead through a header from Carly Johns and Gemma Sims doubled the lead three minutes later with a header from Brogan Moore’s corner. It was 3-0 after just 8 minutes as Steph Bent finished off good work from Moore and Georgia Hayes before a Johns header at the back post following in a Moore shot made it four after just 15 minutes.
Sophie Baker chipped home the fifth on 27 minutes, Moore converted a Daisy McLachlan cross on 29 and two further goals from McLachlan made it 7-0 at the break.
North Leigh showed great spirit to get a goal just three minutes after the interval but Bent finished well with a top corner finish on 52 before McLachlan completed her hat trick on 55 with a good finish into the top right after a good interchange with the influential Moore.
Johns matched that hat-trick with her own third goal from a McLachlan pass but after scoring 11 goals in 65 minutes United then managed to miss a number of chances, with North Leigh defending resolutely and their goalkeeper making a number of good saves to leave the final half hour goalless.
Manager Liam Gilber was pleased with the effort, saying
“Obviously scoring 11 goals for the second game in a row is great for us but it was good to play some of the players who have been restricted for minutes so far as well as those coming back to fitness. It was disappointing to lose focus a little bit late on, and to concede a sloppy goal, but the players will learn from it, we are through, and we look forward to our next league game now.”
United are next in action against Milton Keynes on Wednesday night at Stadium MK, 7.45pm k/o