Oxford United Women beat Gillingham Women to finish second in Southern Premier

Carly Johns’ second-half goal gave the U’s a 1-0 win at Gillingham Women to put them two points above the Tractor Girls, who lost at Portsmouth Women by the same scoreline.

United struggled to find their rhythm early on but they snapped into life midway through the first period.

Carly Johns raced past two defenders and set up Daisy McLachlan, who cut inside and forced goalkeeper Cara Davies into a fingertip save.

Cheryl Williams then fired over, before Sophie Baker was forced off with an injury and replaced by Megan Alexander.

Gillingham flashed an effort across the face of goal in the final minutes of the half, but within two minutes of the restart the U’s were ahead.

McLachlan was involved again as she broke through and saw her shot saved by Davies, only for the ball to fall to Johns.

Her first effort was blocked, but she kept the chance alive and converted at the second attempt.

United were good value for their lead without stretching their advantage, although they were grateful to Rose Kite for preserving the points in stoppage-time.

The goalkeeper pushed a wicked cross behind and punched the follow-up corner away to ensure the U’s ended the campaign with a win.

FINAL TABLE