A STRIKE on the stroke of half-time proved costly for Oxfordshire as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Hampshire in the ESFA Girls’ Under 16 Inter County Competition.

The hosts were depleted by injury and illness, but restricted their opponents to a handful of chances.

They were lucky to escape when goalkeeper Kate Hunter fumbled a shot to leave the goal gaping, but Oxon were saved by the offside flag.

Hannah Vincent had a chance, but her close-range effort from Charlie Estcourt’s corner lacked power.

Katie George made them pay just before the break, netting from close range following a cross from the right-hand side, but Oxon matched their opponents closely in the second half and prevented any further scoring.

OTHER RESULTS

BOYS

ESFA Under 12 PlayStation Schools’ Cup 5th round: King Alfred’s (Wantage) 4, John Hampden (High Wycombe) 4 (2-3 on penalties).