Fulham Women v Oxford United Women

Fulham’s unbeaten run and Vitality Women’s FA Cup journey came to an agonising end as they lost by three goals to nil against Oxford United in the First Round. In what was an even match for much of the 90 minutes, the hosts fought impressively and were unfortunate not to convert attempts during a gutsy performance that often rattled the Tier 3 side.

Fulham rose to the cup tie occasion, playing in front of a sell-out crowd at Motspur Park, and opened the first-half robustly. Quick to find their rhythm, The Whites created several early chances that could have seen them take the lead. In the first quarter, Oana Negrea, Ellie Olds and Helen Ogle linked up effectively, forcing corners and asking early questions of the Oxford defence. A perfectly weighted pass from Olds to Negrea, who had found space in the box, almost put Fulham 1-0 up in the 20th minute, but the forward’s shot was deflected out for a corner.

The visitors soon began to apply pressure and in the 24th minute, Edie Kelly was forced to make a sensational block, throwing herself in front of a powerful incoming shot to deny Oxford taking the lead. Becky Stormer then comfortably cleared Oxford’s next two attacks, whilst Kelly was on hand again to collect another shot on goal.  

For the final minutes of the half, action was end to end. Both sides sought to capitalise on numerous chances but neither found the back of the net. In the 44th minute, however, Oxford broke the deadlock and took the lead just before the half-time whistle.

If the first 45 minutes showed Fulham’s impressive attacking potential, the second-half shone a spotlight on the team’s competent and strong defence. A fast-paced half saw Kate Foster’s 47th minute power-shot head straight to the keeper while Ogle’s 49th minute strike frustratingly hit the cross bar, but it was the back four who were pressed as Oxford looked to increase their lead.

Excellent saves by Kelly, tough defensive play from Tessa Allen and Mary Southgate – who both worked tirelessly all game – and calm clearances from Emily Bird showed that Fulham were not about to take defeat quietly.

In the 50th minute, Oxford turned up the heat and in a well-worked move, the visiting forward side-stepped Kelly forcing Tia Foreman to make a brilliant clearance. In the 63rd minute, Fulham were awarded a free kick, but Gemma Taylor’s ball in was headed frustratingly wide. Georgia Heasman then ably snuffed out an Oxford break on the left and a few minutes later, Allen made an impressive block to stop the visitors scoring their second.

Lumsden’s rocket strike in the 67th minute doubled Oxford’s lead and although The Whites continued to press to find a way into the game, it wasn't to be. Intensity increased and both sides made superb challenges to stop dangerous attacks at either end but it was in the 86th minute that Oxford scored their final goal and finished Fulham’s FA Cup journey for this season.

The Whites are in Capital Women’s Senior Cup action on Sunday 21st November when they host Haringey Borough at Motspur Park.