KAT Nutman’s scrambled first-half effort gave Oxford United Women a 1-0 win over Durham in FA Women’s Super League 2 at Abingdon United’s Northcourt Road.

Stylish United had to withstand plenty of pressure as they avenged an earlier 3-0 defeat to the Wildcats.

The hosts could have found themselves behind when Beth Hepple struck the post for the visitors in the 13th minute.

Kayleigh Hines was unlucky not to add to her two goals so far this season when her ambitious 30-yard effort was tipped over the bar at full stretch by goalkeeper Helen Alderson shortly before halftime.

But the breakthrough came from the resulting corner, with Hines heading Katie Stanley’s ball across into the path of Nutman, who poked home in front of goal.

The visitors had chances to equalise after the break and also had their appeals for a penalty turned down following a clash between full-back Jen Jennings and Oxford keeper Demi Lambourne, which left the Durham player needing treatment.

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United had several opportunities to kill the game off as Durham committed greater numbers forward in search of an equaliser.

First, Nutman dragged her shot wide after the ball had been cut back to her in front of goal by Lauren Allison.

Then Allison volleyed over the bar after Katie Stanley had found her in space.

But it didn’t matter, as United held on to claim their second victory of the season.

Oxford Utd: Lambourne, Meade, Bruce, Osborne-Ricketts, Lane, Hines, Nutman, Jaadla, Pickett (Low 87), Stanley, Allison (Franklin-Fraiture 90+3). Subs not used: Cox, Nichol, Pinker.

Attendance: 266.