CHERYL Williams bagged a brace as Oxford United thrashed Keynsham Town 6-1 to start 2020 in style.

Steph Bent, Brogan Moore, Georgia Clifford and Carly Johns were also on target to stay fifth in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier.

Boss Liam Gilbert said: “Credit to the girls, I thought they were superb.

“Some of the football we played was brilliant and some of the goals were fantastic.

“Every single one should be proud of that result.”

He added: “It’s not necessarily the scoreline, it’s the manner of the performance I’m really happy with.”

United, who had not played since before Christmas, showed no signs of rustiness as they seized the initiative early on.

Williams had already looked bright before she opened the scoring in the 13th minute, turning in Clifford’s cross from the left.

Keynsham responded well to the setback and despite a long delay while one of their players got treatment on an injury, they drew level just before half-time.

United were stung into action and restored their lead seconds after the restart.

Bent snuck into the penalty area unnoticed and tapped into the net when the ball broke her way.

It proved to be the turning point, as United gained a firm grip on the contest.

Moore made it 3-1, reacting quickest to convert on the rebound after Sophie Baker’s shot had been spilled.

Williams rapidly ran on to a through ball to give the visitors a three-goal cushion.

United looked in the mood for more goals and struck twice in a minute.

Clifford and Johns found the net to give Gilbert’s side an emphatic victory, taking them to within a point of Cardiff City in third.