OXFORD United are still looking for their first victory in the FA Women’s Super League 2 Spring Series after losing 2-1 away to leaders Durham in a hard-fought contest.

Ellie Noble put the visitors ahead in the 47th minute in unlikely fashion.

The midfielder sent a speculative, bobbling shot goalwards and Durham keeper Rachael Laws was unable to stop it going into the back of the net.

But their lead lasted four minutes after Durham were gifted an equaliser.

Beth Hepple tapped home from close range after a low Jordan Atkinson cross was poked past her own keeper by Oxford defender Rosie Lane.

United went close to regaining the lead in the 72nd minute.

But striker Ini Umotong shot straight at Laws before Evie Gain’s rebound effort was cleared off the line.

Durham clinched victory three minutes from time, Zoe Ness slotting home following a precise low cross from Emily Roberts.

Afterwards U’s captain, Lauren Haynes, said: “I think sometimes losing like that is worse than losing 10-0.

“To go 1-0 up and then lose the game is heart-breaking.

“Once we went 1-0 up, we lost our way.

“There was a lack of experience in the team.

“We needed to just control the game and slow it down but made mistakes.

“We have got a lot of young players in the team and it’s about and and finding out what works best.”

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