OXFORD United Women wrapped up victory before half-time in a professional performance against Hounslow Women.

Lily Stevens, Gemma Sims and Sophie Baker were on target as the U’s beat FA Women’s National League Southern Premier’s bottom side.

United’s victory was extra impressive considering they played most of the contest with defender Cat Beaver in goal, after Rose Kite sustained an injury in an eighth-minute collision.

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But they kept Hounslow at arm’s length to cut the gap to league leaders Southampton to three points, although the table-toppers have two games in hand.

United were in control from the start, but Kite’s injury forced them to be creative.

A mix-up at the back saw the goalkeeper collide with another player and require treatment.

Beaver took the gloves and the U’s quickly refocused, taking the lead after 15 minutes.

United worked the ball well around the Hounslow penalty area and set up Stevens to break the deadlock from 12 yards out.

The U’s were 2-0 up by the time they reached half-hour mark, as Sims headed home Cheryl Williams’ corner.

Beaver was called into action seven minutes before the break as she fielded a Hounslow effort.

And victory was assured soon after when Baker took the ball around the home goalkeeper and passed the ball into an empty net.

United remained on top throughout the second half, although one Hounslow effort did strike the top of the crossbar.

But the visitors were rarely troubled on a night they had to adapt to adversity, as they bounced back from Sunday’s defeat to Bridgwater United.