Zoe Barratt scored her 21st goal of the season to secure a 1-0 win for Oxford United Women yesterday afternoon (March 17).

A goal from the penalty spot was enough to take all three points at home against Cardiff City Ladies and to make it back-to-back wins for fourth-placed United.

Barratt was taken down inside the box just before the halftime whistle to earn herself the spot kick that she expertly slotted home past the keeper.

Lacy Liggett had the best early chance for either side but had her effort saved after running onto a pass from Shaunna Jenkins.

Another good first half chance came from Izzy Cook after a mazy run from her own half saw her have a shot on goal but it only found the side netting.

It was a cagey second period, with U’s goalkeeper Paris Sercombe called into more action and was tested with a couple of freekicks.

However, the U’s were able to hold onto the 1-0 win ahead of their game with bottom-of-the-table London Bees next Sunday.

Speaking to oufc.co.uk, Nicola Gibson said: “We’ve had three games in a week so we knew we needed to get the three points no matter what.

“The first half was really good from us and the second half we just had to grind out the clean sheet and result.

“Everything we worked on in training came out in the first half, we dominated possession and I think 1-0 wasn’t a fair reflection.

“In the second half they set in a block and we just had to be patient.

“Today showed a proper team effort so we’re looking forward for a rest before next Sunday and just try to keep winning every game for the rest of the season.”