NAOMI Cole scored on debut as Oxford United Women beat Bridgwater United 2-0 on the opening day of the season.
The summer signing fired the U’s ahead ten minutes before half-time, with Riva Casley heading home the second goal after the break.
A late injury to substitute Erin Hartigan was the only sour note for United as they got up and running in FA Women’s National League Southern Premier.
The U’s started well at the RAW Charging Stadium and Leah Burridge saw a strike ruled out for offside midway through the first half.
Daisy McLachlan then sent an effort just wide, before Bridgwater’s Ellie Sara fired past the post at the other end.
The U’s were getting closer and Cole gave them a deserved lead late in the half.
The ball fell to the midfielder on the edge of the penalty area and she picked out the top corner to get United off the mark for the campaign.
Carly Johns saw a shot tipped behind after the restart and Shelley Provan sent the corner into the box, with Casley rising highest to find the target with an excellent looping header.
Burridge and McLachlan went close to a third, before Hartigan was forced off following a painful clash moments after entering the action.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here