MATCH REPORT
Rugby Borough Women 1-0 Oxford United Women
7th September 2023
- Date: 6th Sept 2023
- League: The FA Women's National League, South Division
- Venue: Nationwide Windows Arena
- Player of the match: Angelina Nixon
- Next match: 10th Sept v Cardiff City (away)
Lee Burch named an unchanged line-up for this midweek fixture, as we looked to make it three from three in the league.
It was a warm evening and both sides started quite conservatively, having patches of possession in the opening 10 minutes. Borough had the first opportunity of the game as Nicky Potts drove down the left wing, before cutting inside and floating a ball towards Greenslade inside the Oxford penalty area. Lily couldn’t quite influence the cross though.
Five minutes later, we had a shot cleared off the line! Wiseman played Greenslade in on goal, who managed to poke the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. It was quite an effort from the Oxford defender to race back and clear it, clashing with the post in the process.
After 20 minutes, we were ahead! Nixon cut inside and somehow managed to flick the ball past the goalkeeper with the outside of her foot. An excellent finish.
Oxford pushed towards the end of the half, and had a chance to equalise after 40 minutes. They switched the ball quickly, from right to left, before cutting in and drilling a shot towards Foley. Erin gathered and took the pressure off.
A lengthy stoppage before the interval saw Greenslade receive treatment for a knock to the head. She was unable to continue, and subsequently substituted in the 48th minute.
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Sarah Essam replaced Greenslade and had two opportunities to double Borough’s lead in the 58th and 75th minutes. Firstly, a brilliant piece of play, as Nixon played the Egyptian International in, who hit it on the turn. Then Essam found space in the box again, but headed a cross wide of the far post.
Oxford had the better of the latter stages, as they tried to get back into the game. They flashed a shot wide in the 79th minute, before stabbing a cross straight at Foley in the 86th. There was time for one more chance, in the 95th minute, as it was our turn to clear a shot of the line. A goalmouth scramble was poked towards goal and passed Foley, but Essam was there to clear.
A big three points as this new group continues to improve and gel. We go again at the weekend.
Rugby Borough: Foley, Mann, Malone, Nixon (S. Morris 84), Greenslade (Essam 48), Wiseman (Winters 90+1), Walker, Potts (Milner 85), Whipp, K. Morris, Curwood-Wagner.
