“I don’t think we should be pleased with particularly any of it today” : Oxford United Women manager Sam Rose reflects as his side drops down to fourth after a one nil defeat to Exeter

The game watched by over 450 spectators saw the U’s lose at home to Exeter City in their International Women’s Day fixture.

It’s been a fantastic day so far, and we’re still minutes away from kick off! pic.twitter.com/NXK8KEOaQe

— Oxford United Women FC (@OfficialOUWFC) March 9, 2025

An early strike from Grecians Sophie Gillies proved to be the difference.

“We weren’t good enough today, it’s as simple as that. We’ve gone behind really early and Exeter have held onto that. By our normal standards I don’t think we should be pleased with particularly any of it today”.

The U’s came into the game five unbeaten scoring ten.

“As the girls always do, they try, they’ve worked hard, we’ve just not managed to impose ourselves and create anywhere near enough to help us get back in the game”

⛔️ CLEAN SHEET

Some defensive performance from the team today 💪#ECFC pic.twitter.com/6ZAR3fNn55

— Exeter City Women FC (@ExeterCityWFC) March 9, 2025

The Exeter back line defended well making it tough for the hosts to create any clear cut chances.

“I thought if we had got a goal we could’ve gone and got another, but we just didn’t create enough and that’s why credit to the opposition, they’ve gone ahead early, our mistake and they held on”.

“Sometimes that’s the way it goes and we need to learn from that, in terms of how we act after going behind, decision making on the ball, just sticking to the things that we know we do well as a team.”

Full Time. The unbeaten streak comes to an end

🟡0-1🔴 90+5' | #OUWFC pic.twitter.com/7zVOUXLxa6

— Oxford United Women FC (@OfficialOUWFC) March 9, 2025

“It’s done now and I’m looking forward to moving on and our attention turns to Watford”

The U’s face the Hornets for the third time this season in a fortnights time at the MGroup Stadium.