Oxford United continued their unbeaten record at home, with a 5-1 win over London Bees in the FA Women’s National League.
After a lively start, the Bees had the first chance of the game when Megan Wood was played through by Danielle Puddefoot.
The Bees’ No. 19 low cross found Jo Wilson who just put her effort wide of the post.
Oxford were awarded a free-kick just before the ten minute mark. Hannah MacKenzie whipped the ball towards the far post to Carly Johns who had her header saved by Bees’ goalkeeper Faye Hazelton.
The Bees were on the front foot midway through the first-half and were awarded two free-kicks in quick succession. Jo Wilson stepped up and curled her 25-yard shot just over the woodwork.
The hosts took the lead just past the half hour mark when Johns crossed in a fast ball from the right wing to Panting who finished past Hazelton.
The U’s doubled their lead minutes afterwards as Panting turned provider as she set up winger McLachlan who calmly slotted away her chance.
Moments later, Nikki Jancey had a chance that fell to her after strike partner Wilson lofted a through ball forwards, but her effort just went wide of the ‘keeper’s near post.
Just before the break the home side made it 3-0. Midfielder Lauren Haynes put in a deep cross from a corner to Riva Casley. The ball then deflected off her and was eventually knocked into the back of the net by Johns.
In the 62nd minute Oxford added a fourth. A mix up at the back from Hannah Porter and Hazelton allowed Panting to react first and slot home into an empty net.
The Bees looked for a way back into the game with fifteen minutes left as Wilson’s corner found the head of Flo Gamby who placed her header just wide of the post.
With just over ten minutes left, Oxford made it five. Sarah King beat her defender and put a floating cross to Sophie Baker whose looping header found the top right corner of the goal.
Sian Osmond’s side got one back when Courtnay Ward-Chambers drilled a corner in from the right side. It fell to the feet of Lauren Heria who was on hand to poke home to leave the Bees heading back to The Hive London empty-handed.
Bees: Faye Hazelton, Jess Burke (Sophie Lee 77’, Amber Tullet 88’), Danielle Puddefoot (Stef Paci 46’), Hannah Porter, Flo Gamby ©, Courtnay Ward-Chambers, Lauren Heria, Nikki Jancey (Frankie Webster 77’), Parker Dunn, Megan Wood (Hannah Coote 70’), Jo Wilson.
Goals: Heria (85’).
Oxford: Rose Kite, Hannah MacKenzie, Riva Casley, Cat Beaver, Megan Alexander, Lauren Haynes, Sophie Baker (Lily Stevens 79’), Beth Lumsden (Merrick Will 71’), Carly Johns (Emily Wallace 76’), Rachel Panting, Daisy McLachlan (Sarah King 63’). Subs (not used): Paris Sercombe.
Goals: Panting (32’, 62’), McLachlan (35’), Johns (45’), Baker (79’).
Referee: Sophie Dennington.