KAYLEIGH Hines’ double ultimately proved in vain for Oxford United as they ended their FA Women’s Super League 2 campaign with a 5-3 defeat away to Everton, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

United’s top scorer added two more to her tally to finish the season with seven goals, but it wasn’t enough to stave off defeat.

“Obviously it’s nice to score, but it’s only special if you go and get something from the game,” said Hines.

“If you look at any other game, if you’ve scored three goals away from home you expect to get something.”

Kat Nutman put the U’s ahead when her speculative effort escaped the grasp of Everton keeper Kirstie Levell to sneak over the line.

The lead was short-lived as the hosts hit back, with goals from Simone Magill and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah putting them 2-1 up at half-time.

Six minutes into the second half United were level again when Hines ghosted in unnoticed at the back post to volley home from a corner.

Kelly Jones restored Everton’s advantage with a sweetly struck effort from the edge of the area, but Hines’s powerful header from another corner restored parity once more.

Former England international Lindsay Johnson netted the home side’s fourth in her final match before retirement, poking home after a scramble in the area.

And this time there was no comeback.

Oxford centre back Rosie Lane hobbled off with an ankle injury ten minutes from the end and with no further substitutes available United were forced to finish the game with ten players.

Jess King put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, sending the ball past the outstretched hands of substitute goalkeeper Hannah Cox and into the net.

Oxford Utd: Lambourne (Cox 78), Hines, Osborne-Ricketts, Lane, Nutman, Allison, Toussaint (Pinker 72), Pickett, Lee, Scanlon (Baker 63), Bruce.

Attendance: 576.