OXFORD United Women have the chance to attract a new generation of fans this season, according to Rose Kite.

After starting their FA Women’s National League Southern Premier campaign with three successive away games, Liam Gilbert’s side host Crawley Wasps at Court Place Farm on Sunday.

Supporters are allowed in for the fixture, with free entry for United season ticket holders and those who buy an iFollow match pass for the men’s clash against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

The club had hoped to allow 1,000 fans in against Crewe, but last week’s tightening of coronavirus restrictions means games will be behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.

It means Sunday’s game is the first opportunity to watch a U’s senior team live this season and goalkeeper Kite hopes it will tempt supporters through the gates.

She said: “It will be good for the women’s game, getting lots more fans in.

“Hopefully they’ll come to see us in the future, even when they can go back to the men’s game.

“A lot of the kids and younger players aspire to be where we are right now.

“If we get promotion, it’s going to support us as a club and it’ll support them coming through as well.”

United began the season with a 1-0 win at Gillingham, before losing 2-1 at Watford on Sunday after failing to convert a string of chances.

Despite an inconsistent start, the U’s – who travelled to MK Dons last night – believe they can challenge for the title.

Kite said: “That is everyone’s aim and I think we can do it.

“I think we’ve got the squad, even our bench is very strong and everyone’s got to fight for their positions.

“The girls have all come in together and we’ve all got along.

“So far we’ve done really well.

“I thought we had a really good run of pre-season friendlies and we’ve started the league strongly.”

A successful season would do no harm to the rising star’s international ambitions following her

call-up to the England Under 19 squad in 2019/20.

While Kite is putting club before country for now, she also has her eye on the bigger picture.

She said: “The next thing is hopefully in the future being called up to the Lionesses.

“It’ll be a big season for me and helping us win the title is my main ambition.”