CLINICAL finishing and resolute defending helped Oxford Hawks to secure a notable 2-2 draw at home to leaders Slough in Investec Conference West.

After Slough had taken a 15th-minute lead, Hawks responded brilliantly with Becky Odin releasing Lucy Millington, who buried the ball into the net with a neat reverse-stick shot.

A fantastic reflex save from Hawks keeper Ria Male kept the scores level, before Caro Harris put Hawks ahead from a short corner.

Just before half-time Slough levelled with a close-range strike.

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The visitors gained the upper hand,after the break, but strong defending kept them out.

Catherine Reaney scored in each half as Oxford beat visitors Marlow 4-1 in South Clubs League Division 2.

Reaney put Oxford into an early lead with a reverse-stick shot, but the hosts took their foot off the gas and allowed Marlow to equalise midway through the first half.

Oxford regained the lead just before the break with a penalty flick from Harri Wilkinson.

After resisting some Marlow pressure, Oxford stretched their lead when Kim Haynes and Reaney set up Sophie Shilston to score, before Reaney sealed the game with her second and the team’s fourth goal.

Oxford Hawks 2nd are one place above Oxford after winning 3-2 at Brighton & Hove thanks to goals from Kara Kerr, Claire Werlinger and Emily Wilkins.

Other ladies results: Oxford Hawks 3rd 4 (B Mapplin 2, B Nagle, L Siese), Newbury & Thatcham 0; Oxford Hawks 4th 7 (R Black 3, C Batten 2, E Black, G McErlain), Wokingham 2nd 2; Oxford Hawks 5th 4 (E Milne, E Holland, L Hiner, O Strickland), Maidenhead 3A 0; Oxford Hawks 6th 4 (J Myatt 2, B Wagerfield 2), Witney 3rd 0; Oxford Hawks Harriers 0, Wallingford Dev 1; Oxford Hawks Kestrels 2, Oxford Tigers 0; Bicester 3rd 3 (L Walker 2, J Giles), Newbury &Thatcham 4th 0.

Girls: Oxford Hawks Under 18s 6, Reading 3; Oxford Hawks Under 14s 6, Witney 0.

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