OXFORD United claimed their first points of the FA Women’s Super League 2 season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sheffield at Abingdon United’s Northcourt Road.

Striker Ini Umotong’s fourth goal of the season in the 61st minute proved the difference between the sides, lifting the U’s above their opponents and off the bottom of the table.

It was, however, the visitors who made most of the early running.

Jodie Michalska headed home early on, but referee Kevin Howick had blown his whistle for a foul.

Hannah Dale failed to hit the target, before Sherry McCue struck the outside of a post from the edge of the area after Ellie Gilliatt’s cross had been headed away from goal.

United’s best chance of the first half fell to Umotong in the 23rd minute, but her shot fizzed across the face of goal.

Holly Pickett also went close, darting in front of her marker to meet Laura Nichol’s ball across from the right wing, but she was unable to get sufficient power on her volley to beat goalkeeper Juliana Draycott at the near post.

The second half started slowly, but roared into life just after the hour mark with efforts at either end.

Dale’s thunderous 30-yard strike almost caught out Hannah Cox, rebounding off the goalkeeper’s shins before she gathered at the second attempt.

United then raced up the other end and took the lead.

The tricky Nichol laid the ball off for Umotong to calmly side-foot past the despairing outstretched leg of the Sheffield keeper.

United rarely looked troubled thereafter.

Substitute Emma Johnson went closest for Sheffield in the closing moments with a powerful shot, which was well blocked by Jess Frampton.

Oxford Utd: Cox, Frampton, Haynes, Casley, Umotong, Nutman (Baker 55), Franklin-Fraiture, Pickett (Allison 55), Nichol (Deeley 90), Hakala, Lee. Subs not used: Bruce, Lambourne, Weston.

Attendance: 389.