September 1, 2026
League leaders Oxford United Women ran out strong 5-0 winners at the MGroup Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Kate Wiseman, Holly Manders, Jenna Legg and an own goal saw the hosts pick up all three points.
The game sprang into life in the opening exchanges, Libby Bell’s effort from outside the area dropped narrowly over the crossbar.
However, the U’s were clinical at the other end, Wiseman’s effort on the edge of the box bending into the left-hand corner to give Oxford an early lead.
It was two for the hosts less than ten minutes later, with Manders making no mistake after finding herself one-on-one with keeper Lily Felgate.
It could’ve been three just after the 20-minute mark, but Legg saw her effort fly over the bar after being set by winger Sophie Quirk.
Manders came within inches of a brace, but her shot bobbled wide as the clock ticked into the half-hour mark
Oxford had more chances before the break, calling Felgate into action on multiple occasions, but couldn’t add another to their tally.
Although they didn’t add to their tally in the first half, the yellows did within five minutes of the second half, Emily Owen converting the ball into her own net from Quirk’s cross into the middle.
The U’s then added two to their lead in quick succession, Legg and Manders adding to the tally.
Like the third goal, Quirk’s ball into the area was fired home by captain Legg, whilst league top scorer Manders bundled the ball into the back of the net after a defensive error for her second and her side’s fifth of the afternoon.
The Robinesses had their first shot on target when substitute Ruby Day forced Beth Wookey into her first save of the afternoon with just over 10 minutes left to play.
After more chances for the hosts, it finished 5-0 to the U’s.
Cheltenham host Worcester City at Kayte Lane next Saturday in the second matchday of the FAWNL Cup.
Cheltenham: Felgate; Wellesley-Davies, Owen, Vine (Hall 88); Salisbury-Williams, Evans, Jones (Murphy 84), Bell; O’Keefe (Day 70), Curtis (Joyce 57); Snook (Power 65)
