United Women began their pre-season schedule with a 3-2 victory over Oxford City

Former City boss Chris Smith included new signing Issy Bradley and last season's development player Jess Southey in Sunday's squad.

Mollie Dyer had the first opportunity of the game for United. An awkward ball into the Oxford box fell to Dyer, who's effort was blocked well.

A few moments later, a ball down the right found Erin Hartigan, who's low ball to the backpost was intercepted by City goalkeeper Hannah Gerrow.

On the 13th minute mark, it was the hosts who took the lead. After breaking through the Abingdon backline, Ellie White fired into the top left corner to give The Hoops the lead.

Chris Smith's side responded well but we're struggling to make a breakthrough on a hot day at The MGroup Stadium.

A corner from the left was headed over by Libby Gilmore, before Erin Hartigan saw her effort go wide.

After knocking on the door for a long-period, United finally made a breakthrough via last season's top scorer Molly Lygo. A brilliant long-range effort from the left went over Gerrow, to bring The Yellows level on the 33rd minute.

United kept the chances coming. Lygo and Kara Howes were finding lots of space down the left but were unable to capitalise.

In the 49th minute United went ahead. Good pressing from Issy Bradley allowed the midfielder to win the ball back in the area, before crossing into Mollie Dyer for her first of 2025/26.

Shortly after it was three. A ball through from Holly Sellwood found Erin Hartigan, who calmly placed past Keira Maskell for United's third.

Oxford City would score another. Good skill from Yasmin Edwards allowed the forward to tap into an empty net, with the score ending 3-2 in a competitive game of football.

United XI: Caitlin Crierie, Kara Howes, Libby Gilmore, Millie Hodge, Poppy Wannell, Anais Harris-Beechers, Holly Sellwood, Molly Lygo, Mollie Dyer, Erin Hartigan, Nell Boxall.

Subs (All used on rotation): Freya Gilmore, Mimi Hodges, Jess Southey, Issy Bradley