OXFORD United made it five wins in a row when beating Watford 4-2 away from home in the FA Women’s National League.

Strikes from Emily Allen, Gemma Sims, Lauren Haynes, and an own goal saw the side continue their fine run of form in the Southern Premier Division.

United took the lead from their first meaningful opportunity on a blustery day, Allen flicking home an Ellie Noble corner after 15 minutes.

Both teams continued to create opportunities as they adapted to the conditions.

But United always looked dangerous from set-pieces and they doubled their advantage on 42 minutes.

Another Noble corner proved Watford’s undoing as Sims powered home a header at the back post.

Watford needed an early goal after the break and reduced the deficit on 55 minutes when Kat Huggins rifled past U’s goalkeeper Lucy Thomas.

The strike lifted the hosts, who pressed forward for an equaliser.

But Sims and Steph Mobbs stuck to their task to keep Wales international Helen Ward at bay.

United then made it 3-1 with the goal of the day from Haynes.

The captain picked up the ball 25 yards out and found the top corner with a fantastic strike which left goalkeeper Robyn Levett helpless.

The U’s then made sure of the three points when an own goal made it 4-1.

Georgia Timms was unable to get a touch on Evie Gane’s cross, but the ball cannoned off an unfortunate defender and into the net.

There was still time for Watford to score again when Danielle Scanlon’s free-kick beat everyone to creep in at the back post.

It set up an edgy final five minutes, but United had done enough and ran out worthy winners.

The U’s are next in action on Sunday when they host bottom side C&K Basildon at Court Place Farm.