Bridgwater United Women defeat Oxford in National League

ON form United were up against their toughest test to date as Oxford United came to Fairfax Park.

After losing 3-0 in two prior meetings with Oxford, the Bridgwater girls turned it around to win this game 1-0.

Manager Adam Murry was full of praise for his side: “In the first half of the season for whatever reason we did not compete against sides in around and above us in the table.

"Since Christmas we have more than done that and are in great form for the season run-in. I’m so proud of the team today as it shows our vast improvement.

"The 1st half of the game was dominated by us and we knew that 2nd half, Oxford would throw everything at us which, at moments the game became scrappy but we exerted our control, physicality and remained dangerous going forward."

The opening half an hour was an evenly contested game with both teams playing with an intensity in defence that meant the game was often broken up and did not allow any team momentum.

The managers were happy with the win. Picture: Craig Blake

On 35 minutes the clearest opportunity to take the lead fell to United.

United took the lead and control of the match. Meesha Dudley-Jones received the ball out wide and a terrific bit of skill released Emily Wilson-White to run into the box and under pressure managed to cut back to Jenna Markham who calmly fired home.

Both teams continue to battle but Oxford were unable to break through United’s solid defensive unit like previous meetings of the two.

United brought on Laura Holden to replace Danni Tyson in midfield to gain fresh energy for the expected reaction from the visitors.

Oxford although weren’t gaining opportunities from open play were forcing set-pieces and from both free kicks and corner putting United under a lot of pressure.

Oxford could have equalised on 85 minutes that pressure resulted in a goal line scramble after Howard produced an expert save from point blank range.

With the game opening up in the closing stages, Bridgy sharpened their attacking line with the introduction of Hinchcliffe and Gilroy.

It was the latter who on the 90th minute had the ball in the net only to be ruled out for off-side much to the annoyance of the United bench and spectators who disagreed with the officials. The same move moments later was on-side this time but Gilroy’s ball across the box couldn’t be met.

United take all three point home from breathtaking game of football to be one of the league most in form sides. United are next home when they host Portsmouth FC on Sunday 17th April, 2pm kick off.