ZOE Barratt’s hat-trick extended Oxford United Women’s winning run to four games.
The U’s were 3-0 up at half-time in their clash at Plymouth Argyle, with Barratt completing her hat-trick three minutes into the second period.
The first goal came after 10 minutes had been played. Cecily Wellesley-Smith, called up to the England Under-17 squad last week, clipped a ball over the top, which got Barratt in one-on-one with Jasmine Read, and United’s striker made no mistake.
READ ALSO: Key talking points from Oxford United’s defeat at Bristol Rovers
The lead was doubled five minutes later, when a Shelly Provan cross was headed in by Izzy Cook.
Barratt found the top corner from the edge of the penalty area eight minutes before half-time, to hand the U’s a healthy advantage at the break.
She then completed her hat-trick three minutes into the second period, when a Leah Burridge shot was parried, and she was on hand to finish the rebound.
Get all your U’s news for £3 for three months during the January flash sale #oufc
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) January 24, 2024
⚽ Unlimited access to all articles, including those behind a paywall
📱 Access to the ad-free app, which includes all stories, the digital edition and puzzleshttps://t.co/T8RcTSkdgX pic.twitter.com/QlHMnlPsn1
United manager Sam Rose told club media after the game: “The most pleasing bit is the clean sheet. We’ve scored four good goals and kept Plymouth out.
“It was a good performance all-round, with and without the ball. I’m really pleased that we’ve just been able to keep this running.”
On Barratt, he added: “She’s doing really, really well at the moment, and long may that continue. In the week, it’s the play that goes on to get her in those positions and give her the opportunities to score. The fact she’s scoring is credit to everybody.”
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here