New signing Destiney Toussaint admitted it was disappointing to mark her debut for Oxford United Women with a 4-0 defeat at home to Reading.

It was the striker’s first appearance in FA Women’s Super League 2 after making the step up from Premier League side Coventry City last week.

And although she was unable to mark her debut with a goal, Toussaint relished the opportunity to play at a higher level.

She said: “I think coming in against Reading throws me in at the deep end, which is a good thing.

“It was a hard game to come into for a first appearance in WSL 2, but I think I kept up out there and helped the team.

“Hopefully I can take it into the next game and we can get some results.”

Toussaint was left with little to do in the early stages as the U’s found themselves immediately on the back foot.

On 14 minutes Helen Ward escaped the offside trap, before firing across goalkeeper Hannah Cox into the bottom corner.

An excellent goalline clearance from Chloe Bruce prevented the Royals from doubling their lead, but Oxford enjoyed the greater territory and possession for much of the opening half.

Reading added a second against the run of play shortly before the break when Nikki Watts found herself in space in front of goal, giving her plenty of time to pick her spot and calmly stroke the ball past a helpless Cox.

Two minutes later, Oxford’s challenge was over when their defence was caught static by a long ball and Rebecca Jane raced through to slot in a third.

The visitors continued to pour forward and could have added several more goals in the second half, but for some brave defending from United.

However, they were unable to stop Emma Follis from firing in a fourth on the turn following a goalmouth scramble.

Oxford Utd: Cox, Meade, Bruce (Nichol HT), Chivers, Lane, Hines, Nutman, King, Pickett (Low HT), Stanley (Pinker 68), Toussaint. Subs not used: Lambourne, Baker.

Referee: M Lake.

Attendance: 407.