A CROWD of 265 watched Oxford United Women climb to second in FA Women’s National League Southern Premier with a 3-1 win over Crawley Wasps.

The clash at Court Place Farm was many fans’ first chance to see a senior U’s team live this season and they were treated to an impressive display, with Molly Peters, Cat Beaver and Lauren Haynes on target.

Liam Gilbert’s side took a little while to get into the game but went ahead after half an hour, Peters pouncing on a loose ball to score her fourth goal in three matches.

They were soon pegged back, though, when former United midfielder Immy Lancaster poked home following Naomi Cole’s dangerous free-kick.

Peters and Abbie Bensted went close to restoring the lead in quick succession, but the visitors held out to reach the break all-square.

United moved the ball around impressively in the second half, but had to wait until the 65th minute to go 2-1 up through an unlikely source.

A lofted free-kick was directed towards Beaver in space at the back post and the defender made no mistake.

The hosts were back in control and saved the best for last.

With seven minutes left, the ball was worked to captain Haynes on the edge of the penalty area and she fired an unstoppable effort into the back of the net.

The U’s had to be on their game as Crawley rallied late on, but they held firm to leave only Watford above them in the table after four matches.

United visit bottom-placed Hounslow on Sunday.