OXFORD Hawks fell to an early sucker-punch after making the long journey to Exeter, where they lost 1-0 to Isca in Investec Women’s Conference West.

The home side struck from a corner after just seven minutes, but could not extend their lead as Hawks’ keeper Jess Hughes was a match for everything they threw at her.

Despite some outstanding attacking play from Abi Flory, Hawks were unable to convert any chances in the first half.

Katie Lowe and Sophie Shakespeare both came close to scoring for Hawks, who suffered a blow when they lost skipper Bex Oakes with a knee injury, as Isca held on to their lead.

On Sunday, Hawks drew 2-2 at home to Trojans in the EHA Cup before losing on penalties. Catherine Teaney and Claire Werlinger scored Hawks’ goals.

Oxford went down 4-2 at Spencer in South Clubs League Division 2 on Saturday.

Despite starting strongly, with Christy Barnard and Meg Scott putting pressure on the Spencer keeper, Oxford trailed 2-0 at the break.

The home side made it 3-0, but Oxford hit back with goals from Barnard and Floor Timmer, who was also denied by a post.

But Spencer scored the vital next goal and they held on despite having a player red-carded.

Bicester ran out of steam in the second half as they lost 2-0 away to Amersham & Chalfont 2nd in Premier 2 of the Trysports three Counties League.

In the first half, Bicester were unlucky not to go ahead when Faye Walters’s strike from a short corner was disallowed for being too high.

The hosts then took the lead, despite committing a clear obstruction.

After the break, Bicester lost Hannah Newell with a facial injury, while their three players, who had just returned from holiday, faded badly.

A late goal confirmed Amersham’s victory.

Other ladies’ results: Oxford Hawks 2nd 6 (K Kerr, F Jolley, O Strickland, M Douglas, H Sawyer, E Wilkins), West Hampstead 2; Oxford Hawks 3rd 1, South Berks 2; Oxford Hawks 4th 5 (R Potter 3, A Schabacker, M Whitwell), Henley 2nd 0; Oxford Hawks 5th 1 (S Butler), Wycombe 0; Oxford Hawks 6th 4 (B Dawes 2, P Cantwell, C Strickland), Maidenhead 5th 2; Oxford 2nd 3 (N Forecast, R Bedford), Maidenhead 2nd 0; Oxford 3rd 1 (C Jackson), Oxford University 2nd 3; Oxford 4th 4 (E Gilroy, A Llewellyn, C Llewellyn, M Banton), Marlow 3rd 5; Oxford 5th 2 (A Browne, E Manley), Abingdon Pilgrims 7; Oxford Fireflies 1 (E Forsyth), Marlow 4th 0, Oxford 6th 3 (W Chobbah, K Anderson, E Burke), Buckingham 4th 1; Bicester 3rd 2 (G Mann, J Giles), Amersham & Chalfont 4th 0.

TWO goals from Niall Devaney earned Oxford a scrappy 3-0 victory away to Newbury & Thatcham and moved them up to second in South League Regional Division 1.

Both Devaney’s goals came from drag flicks, while a debut goal from Ben Brearey sealed the result.

Oxford missed several first-half chances from open play, but kept their composure to take the game with a trio of goals from short corners.

Oxford Hawks slipped to a 2-0 defeat away to Havant in Premier Division 1.

Alex Wilson and Will Hartley scored twice as a below-par Bicester won 5-3 at home to South Berkshire 2nd to stay top of Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Division 1 of the South League.

Wilson netted from close range to give the hosts an early lead, while Hartley soon doubled it after some strong play by Jeff Elliott and Dan Round.

South Berkshire pulled a goal back before half-time.

Jonny Reid set up Wilson’s second, but without playing well, Bicester extended their lead to 4-1 with Stu Lock’s first goal of the season.

The visitors struck twice late on, sandwiched by Hartley’s second goal, which sealed their fourth win in as many games.

Other men’s results: Oxford Hawks 2nd 3 (J Knight 2, D Blackburn), Marlow 2; Oxford Hawks 3rd 2 (M Crowley, O Lovibond), Banbury 2nd 6; Oxford Hawks 4th 0, Harrow 1; Oxford Hawks 5th 1 (M Sanders-Davies), Windsor 5; Oxford Hawks 7th 2 (W Sobey, A Bush), Witney 3rd 2; Oxford hawks Falcons 4 (P Bennett 2, D Hughes, P Dunnill), Amersham & Chalfont Vets 1; Oxford 2nd 1 (J Campbell), Slough 4; Oxford 3rd 2 (C Brown, J Burke), Milton Keynes 3rd 4; Oxford 4th 9 (A Wynd 3, M Oakes 2, G Williams, T Vernon, H Tasker, J Neilson), Oxford Univ 4th 2; Oxford 5th 0, Newbury & Thatcham 2; Oxford 6th 1 (P Charrett), OMT 4th 3; Oxford 7th 1 (O Clarke), West Hampstead 8th 3; Oxford 8th 1 (T Scrase), Wallingford 4th 3; Oxford 9th 1 (P Cole), Eastcote Eagles 7th 0.