OXFORD United Women’s manager Les Taylor declared himself pleased with his side’s defending despite their 3-0 defeat at higher-league Birmingham City in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup on Sunday.

The U’s defence was breached for the first time on 30 minutes by Mel Lawley, before Freda Ayisi and Kirsty Linnett strikes completed the scoring after the break.

It could have been more as the home side stormed out of the blocks, but missed a host of chances, although Taylor feels the credit for that must go to United’s defence.

He said: “They had quite a few chances, but I’ve got to say that, because we had to defend a lot, our defenders have done OK.

“Demi (Lambourne) was called upon a couple of times and made some great saves, so it stands them in good stead when we return to the league.”

Centre back Maddison Lee was handed a debut for the U’s after signing until the end of the season and found herself busy immediately against a lively WSL 1 side.

Linnett drew a smart save from Lambourne with just a minute played, and United’s keeper was again needed to beat away Mel Lawley’s close-range effort as the hosts piled on the pressure.

With 30 minutes on the clock Birmingham made the breakthrough, Lawley racing on to a simple ball through the middle before slotting past the unguarded goalkeeper.

Linnett could have doubled Birmingham’s advantage when they were awarded a penalty for a handball against Rosie Lane.

However, the Birmingham striker was unable to capitalise, sending her spot-kick well over the bar.

Ayisi made it two early in the second half, twisting through several challenges before firing low into the bottom corner.

And Linnett finally got on the scoresheet in the 67th minute with a fierce strike from just inside the area.

Even at 3-0 down Oxford didn’t let their heads drop, and they had the ball in the net themselves later on when Destiney Toussaint charged down a clearance, but her effort was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Oxford Utd: Lambourne, Meade, Hines, Lane, Stanley (Pinker 90+3), Nutman, Pickett (Low 68), Nichol, Toussaint, Franklin-Fraiture, Lee. Subs not used: Cox, Baker, Dandridge.

Referee: S Berry.

Attendance: 336.