Ipswich Town Women 0-1 Oxford United: Match report

Home side Town looked to threaten the Oxford defence throughout the first 10 minutes, but could not break through the back line.

A fantastic switch of play from Sophie Peskett found Lenna Gunning-Williams in space on the right, with Town right-back and December player of the month Maisy Barker running onto the lay-off, but her shot was comfortably saved by the Oxford goalkeeper.

Peskett then came close with a shot from 18 yards after turning her marker, but her effort went just wide of the post.

Poppy Soper meeting a through ball ahead of the attacker to clear the ball (Image: Ross Halls)

Next, Oxford were almost through on goal, but keeper Poppy Soper's starting position was brilliant and she was able to read and meet the through ball.

In the 40th minute, Oxford registered their first shot, which flew just over the bar.

Then a great piece of improvisation from Gunning-Williams found Ruby Doe on the penalty spot, but her shot cleared the crossbar.

The referee brought the first half to an end, with the Tractor Girls having plenty of the ball, just unable to create many chances.

Sophie Peskett battling for the ball (Image: Ross Halls)

Oxford went down to 10 women eight minutes after the restart, as Liggett picked up a second yellow for a late challenge on Summer Hughes.

Oxford's keeper kept them in the game again, as Gunning-Williams got a shot away at goal, but it was pushed behind for a corner.

There were shouts for a penalty for Town in the 60th minute as Evie Williams' strike hit the hand of the defender, but the claims were waved away by the referee.

Oxford United scored with their only shot on target (Image: Ross Halls)

Oxford took the lead in the 71st minute with their first shot on target, as a mistake at the back from captain Maria Boswell led to the Yellows stealing the ball and Budaieva fired into an empty net.

Following the goal, Town returned to being the better of the two teams, but all of their attacks were thwarted.

Then substitute Leah Mitchell hit the crossbar with an effort from the right of the 18 yard box, the closest Town came all game.

Evie Williams being shown red in the last minute (Image: Ross Halls)

Things got worse for Town, as Evie Williams was shown a red card for a potential clip of the heels, denying Oxford a goal-scoring opportunity.

This defeat was a missed opportunity for Town to gain ground on the top three in the league - playing against 10 women for 35 minutes, dominating the game in terms of shots and possession, but ultimately unable to create clear chances.

Town Starting XI: Soper, Barker (Mitchell,80), Boswell (C), Williams, Hughes, Robertson (Horwood,89), O'Brien, Peskett, Doe (Turner,80), Gunning-Williams, Thomas

Subs: Hartley, Mitchell, Horwood, Evans, Turner

Attendance: 480