ANDY Cook admitted Oxford United’s game plan did not work as they lost 5-1 to Doncaster Rovers Belles in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup.

Rovers raced into a 2-0 lead after just four minutes at Court Place Farm as Rebecca Rayner struck twice.

Hannah Short pulled one back for the U’s, but a brace for Christie Murray and a further effort from Jess Sigsworth inflicted a fourth straight defeat in Group Two North.

Cook, United’s manager, felt there were spells where his side clicked, but acknowledged in general their approach had failed to fire.

He said: “We’re not happy with the overall score.

“The way we played after 25-30 minutes is more what we were after, and we had a good 20-minute period after the second half.

“But then they’ve scored two quick goals one after the other so there’s a lot we’ve got to look at

“I’ve said it to the players, a lot of that – pretty much the whole game – is on me really.

“I wanted to see certain things happen, it happened and it worked now and again, but the overall game probably didn’t work.

“It probably didn’t suit the fact that we’re playing against somebody of Doncaster’s quality.

“When we look back with a bit more of a clear head, you’ll be able to see good patterns and good little bits from it.”

Rayner’s first, a header from Murray’s corner, was awarded when the assistant referee adjudged the ball had crossed the line before goalkeeper Claire Skinner caught it.

The striker’s second owed nothing to chance as she found the bottom corner.

United pulled one back in the 12th minute through defender Short, who rose superbly in the box to meet Dan Carlton’s free-kick and nod past Nicky Davies.

Murray went close with lobs either side of the break, but the Scotland international took two chances late on.

Her brace sandwiched a goal from winger Sigsworth, who found the top corner with the outside of her right foot.

Oxford United (4-3-3): Skinner, Hillman, Short, Lee (Haynes 61), Yorston (Allen 87), Williams (Noble 70), Hines, Donovan, Oliver, Chivers, Carlton.

Unused subs: Lambourne, Franklin-Fraiture, Fyfe, Casley.

Referee: Alex Rayment.

Attendance: 172.

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