OXFORD United Women closed the gap at the top of Southern Premier Division to one point after breezing past London Bees.

League leaders Portsmouth were beaten 2-0 away to Watford, meaning United are just a single point from the summit and with two games in hand.

Watford are four points behind the U’s but with a game in hand up their sleeve.

On the road, United put five goals past a struggling Bees side, in a dominant performance.

Two January additions from fellow Southern Premier Division sides, given their first starts by Liam Gilbert, scored four of United’s goals.

Centre back Amy Goddard, a recruit from Bridgwater United, and winger Tash Stephens, who signed from Crawley Wasps, both netted braces.

Carly Johns completed the U’s scorers from the penalty spot.

In addition to Goddard and Stephens, U’s boss Gilbert also gave a first start to midfielder Jenna Legg, who was previously with Norwegian side Amazon Grimstad.

Goddard got the scoring underway with a header after seven minutes.

With 24 minutes on the clock, Daisy McLachlan cut inside and fired an effort towards goal, however Mia North was able to gather the ball.

It mattered little though as United doubled their lead five minutes later when McLachlan drove down the left and played in Stephens, who took a touch before tucking the ball under North.

Two minutes before half-time, Johns slotted in a penalty given after the referee spotted a handball in the area, to ensure the U’s went in 3-0 up at the break.

United made a rapid start to the second half, as Stephens was played in over the top and finished into the roof of the net.

With an hour on the clock, the U’s made it five when Goddard headed in a Naomi Cole free kick, awarded after a foul on Johns.

Shelly Provan then had chances to add a sixth goal with a strike which grazed the top of the net and a free kick which North did well to tip over.

The Bees grabbed a late consolation goal when Juliet Adebowale scored from range in the closing stages of the game.

After the match, Goddard said: “I’m buzzing, what more do you want?

“The girls did really well and I’m really proud of all of them.

“I feel I can bring a lot to this team and I showed that.

“To put on the shirt, that’s what you want to play for and for me to play was a dream come true.

“We’ve got some good signings and individuals in the squad.

“It was always going to be a tough battle away from home in midweek, so I’m really proud of the girls and I couldn’t ask for any more from them.

“I think we dominated from the back and we go into the next game, and keep building with the momentum.

“For me to come into the squad and show what I’m about, that’s what I want to do.”

Gilbert added: “The way we started with the energy, application and unity was unbelievable.

“The quality of movement and understanding was great to see, especially as we made some changes.

“We’ve got a very good squad and we will rotate, and change things up.”

United are without a game this weekend and return to action on March 5 when they welcome Crawley, currently bottom of Southern Premier Division.