CARLY Johns scored twice in the last 15 minutes as Oxford United Women beat Watford 3-1 in their second post-season friendly.
The U’s fought back from 1-0 down at half-time to triumph over their FA Women’s National League Southern Premier rivals at Court Place Farm, equalising through an own goal.
United trailed Watford by a point at the top of the table before the 2020/21 season was cancelled and the contest was as close as expected.
Hannah Mackenzie saw her tenth-minute header blocked on the line, before Emily Allen’s close-range shot was kept out just before the half-hour mark.
The U’s were made to rue those missed chances when Watford went 1-0 up moments later, but the hosts were too strong for their opponents after the break.
United forced a string of corners in the early stages of the half and got back on level terms, the ball deflecting off a visiting player on its way into the net.
It was all-square heading into the final 15 minutes, when Johns made the difference.
First, she coolly slotted away a penalty, before sealing victory with a low drive from the edge of the box in the closing stages.
There was still time for Rose Kite, who replaced Paris Sercombe in goal at half-time, to make an excellent diving save from close range as Watford eyed a consolation.
United are at Court Place Farm again this Sunday, with West Bromwich Albion the visitors.
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