Watford Women’s unbeaten run up by three games after a 1-1 draw with Oxford United Women
Watford came within minutes of breaking Oxford United’s long-standing undefeated home record, but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Within five minutes, Megan Chandler’s score put the Hornets ahead, a lead the Golden Girls held until Leah Burridge’s header in second-half stoppage time denied them a vital three points at The Raw Charging Stadium.
A striker's finish. 👌@meganchandler3 opens her account for the season! pic.twitter.com/I2nAqHjyLK
— Watford FC Women (@WatfordFCWomen) October 3, 2022
Watford’s undefeated record now stands at three games, with Plymouth Argyle visiting Grosvenor Vale next Sunday on October 9.
The first few minutes were fast-paced and action-packed as the visitors pressed for a goal, and they got it when a rebounded shot fell for Chandler to slam in her first goal of the season.
After the score, the league leaders came into the game and had chances to equalize through Carly Johns and later with a low shot from new acquisition Lacy Liggett, but Georgie Ferguson saved the latter.
Jade Bradley was forced to leave the game five minutes before the halftime owing to an injury. Bradley first fell down with what seemed to be a knee injury and received a free kick, but was unable to continue and was replaced by Allison Palisch.
Watford’s Gemma Davison had several chances, curling one wide before testing Rose Kite with a driven strike. Substitute Helen Ward came the closest, shooting a crisp shot from range that rocked the post.
With a lengthy delay due to an injury to Riva Casley, there was a significant amount of additional time at the conclusion of the 90, and Oxford scored at the finish to guarantee their 1,058-day run without a league defeat at home would continue.
🗣 The Head Coach provides his assessment of Sunday's draw with Oxford United. #WatfordFC
— Watford FC Women (@WatfordFCWomen) October 3, 2022
Andria Georgiou was called for a foul 35 yards from goal and was expelled for a second bookable offense after receiving a yellow card earlier in the game. The resulting free kick was headed home by Burridge, who was in the best position.
Having taken a point back to Hertfordshire, the Golden Girls will now turn their attention to their home match against Plymouth.
Oxford United Starting XI: Kite (GK), Provan, Haynes (Baker 80’), Casley, McLachlan (Negrea 87’), Stevens, Johns, Cole, Liggett (Hartigan 75’), Gotch, Burridge
Oxford United Goal: Burridge (90+5’)
Watford Starting XI: Ferguson (GK), Gibson, Meiwald, Rossiter (Ward 81’), Davison, Georgiou, Chandler (C), Wilson, Fyfe (Baptiste 63’), Bradley (Palisch 40’), Garrad
Watford Goal: Chandler (5’)
