Women's Report: Oxford United 0-3 Saints

After a behind closed doors training ground exercise against Rugby Borough last week, Remi Allen’s side faced their first full 90-minute encounter against the Yellows.

Summer signing Rachel Rowe struck to ensure Saints led at the break, before Emma Thompson and Paige Peake sealed the victory in the second half.

Another summer arrival, Fran Stenson, smothered an early chance from the hosts before Saints began to take control of the game with sustained spells of possession.

There was an immediate reunion with Beth Howard following her departure last season, with the now-Oxford goalkeeper forced into a couple of smart saves to deny the opener.

However, the first goal of the afternoon wasn’t far away as Rowe latched onto a chance in a busy penalty area to give Saints the lead before the half hour.

It remained a one-goal game until half-time, but Saints swiftly found their second shortly after the restart.

Thompson was on hand and caught the hosts cold to finish smartly and double the advantage.

Saints kept up the pressure in the heat, but chances became less frequent with several changes and a much-needed drinks break.

There was still time for an impressive third goal though, as Peake fired in a free-kick that dipped into the bottom corner in the final minute of normal time.

Oxford United: N/A.

Saints: Stenson, Collett, Mott, Bourne, Purfield, Kendall, Primus, Rowe, Gregory, Pike, Dean.

Subs (all used): Haaland, Brown, Milne, Peake, Griffiths, Nohasiarisoa, Surin, Udebhulu, Bedwell, Watts, Thompson.

Goals: Rowe 27, Thompson 47, Peake 89.