Manchester City ladies eased their way into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a convincing 4-1 home win against Oxford United.
In an entertaining cup tie, the home side wasted no-time in asserting themselves on the game, turning early possession into an early lead, Sarah Buffel firing home after just four minutes. The goal came after neat build play and cross from Krystle Johnston.
The goal did nothing to slow the pace of the game as both teams pushed forward in the opening stages, City looking to press home their advantage and Oxford looking to cancel out the home teams lead.
However, it was the home team who doubled their lead on 14 minute mark. This time Buffel finishing from close range, bringing her own – and City's – tally to two. But Oxford weren't out of it yet and, in keeping with the games quick tempo and cup-tie mood, hit back immediately to halve the deficit.
The away team were able to capitalise on the some complacent play in the middle of the park by City.
After the goal, Oxford's confidence grew and they slowly began to play their way back into the game, keeping possession well in the midfield. But while they were battling in the middle, they couldn't penetrate a resolute City defence and failed to trouble keeper, Danni Brown, with a single effort.
Meanwhile, City's forwards, Krystle Johnston and Sarah Buffel were enjoying plenty of success down both flanks. But despite exploiting the space and putting in plenty of crosses, City couldn't turn their penetration into a final product.
But still City's pressure was relentless, and as the half reached the half-hour mark, Oxford were struggling to get the ball out of their half. This resulted in three quick corners on the trot for City from the right-hand-side, but all were dealt with by the Oxford defence, who were glad to see the half-time whistle.
After the pulsating start to the match, the second half began more tentatively with neither side able to take hold of the game. The early exchanges were scrappy, with both City and Oxford making mistakes and unable to keep possession.
But, again as the half drew on, City's attacking threat was evident, finding plenty of width and space to operate in. Oxford were especially susceptible on the right-hand side, with Johnston constantly finding herself in acres space to drive into the Oxford area.
This finally paid dividends 15 minutes after the restart when Amanda Goodwin burst into the area, forcing the Oxford keeper into a smart double save, only to slot in the third and final rebound to make it 3-1.
As the second half pressed on City's management made two changes, bringing on Charlotte Farrell for the industrious Abbie McManus. She was shortly joined by Becky Grocott who replaced the impressive Sarah Buffel.
And City were rewarded for their changes when Grocott secured City's place in the next round with a fourth goal, 10 minutes from time.
Match Report by Jordan Kenny
