OXFORD United Women were narrowly beaten 3-2 at home to league leaders Sunderland in FA Women’s Super League 2 at Northcourt Road on Sunday, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

Fears of another heavy defeat were stoked when United found themselves two goals down after just 14 minutes, but they responded admirably to push their promotion-chasing opponents all the way.

Sophie Williams put the away side in front after just seven minutes, evading the challenge of Laura Nichol before leaving goalkeeper Demi Lambourne flummoxed with a looping shot into the bottom corner.

Keira Ramshaw then made it two, tapping in from close range after Beth Mead had dashed up the left flank and squared the ball into the danger area.

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But Oxford were able to claw one back against the run of play just before the break after the Sunderland defence were caught out by a deep free-kick, allowing Helen King to poke home through the ensuing melee.

King levelled after the break, rising excellently to head home Jemma Connor-Iommi’s superb pass.

However, parity lasted just four minutes as Ramshaw emphatically fired the visitors back in front from six yards.

The U’s exerted considerable pressure in the closing stages, with King coming inches away from her hat-trick with an ambitious long-range effort, but Sunderland were able to hang on.

Oxford Utd: Lambourne, Nichol, Osborne-Ricketts, King, Connor-Iommi, Hines, Nutman, Allison, Low (Simmonds 68), Stanley, Franklin-Fraiture. Subs not used: Cox, Pickett, Bruce.

Attendance: 214.

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