CARLY Johns felt Oxford United Women rose to the challenge as they claimed a point against title rivals Southampton.
The forward scored a minute before the break to cancel out Alisha Ware’s early opener and earn the U’s a draw at Court Place Farm.
United missed out on the win that would have taken them top of FA Women’s National League Southern Premier, but they applied themselves well in front of a record home crowd of 505.
And Johns was proud of her teammates as they stopped third-place Southampton closing the ten-point gap between the sides.
“It was proper hard-fought,” Johns said.
“I thought the girls were brilliant, our work-rate was unbelievable. You couldn’t fault it.”
Southampton broke the deadlock when Lucia Kendall crossed for Ware, who had time and space to slot into the bottom corner from close range.
United’s front two had very little joy during a frustrating first half, but Johns only needed one chance to grab her 11th league goal of the season.
A Saints defender headed into no-man’s land and the forward was first to the loose ball, before bursting into the penalty area and finishing low past Rendell.
“I looked around and no-one was near me, so I knew I had to be composed and just slot it in the corner. It was a good finish,” Johns said.
“I thought half-time annoyed us a bit because we were on top, but we worked hard and stayed in the game.”
Both teams could have won it in the second half, with Beth Lumsden and Hannah Mackenzie inches away from finding the net from free-kicks.
Riva Casley challenges for a header Picture: Darrell Fisher
At the other end, Katie Rood shot just wide and substitute Sophia Pharoah saw a late goal ruled out for offside.
Sarah King almost found Cheryl Williams with a cross in stoppage-time, but a draw was a fair result.
It ended United’s winning league run at 11 matches, while the draw was the first time they have dropped points at Court Place Farm all season.
The sides played out an absorbing contest in front of the bumper crowd, which is the highest since the U’s made the ground their home.
Manager Liam Gilbert said: “It was brilliant and hopefully we put on a fantastic show.
“Even going back to our WSL (Women’s Super League) days that’s our record.
“To have that here on a Wednesday night is unbelievable.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel