OXFORD United fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chichester City in their FA Women’s National League South opener.
Ellie Noble’s late free-kick proved just a consolation as the U’s were undone by two goals either side of the break.
The visitors hit the woodwork, but trailed 1-0 at half-time when Sara Tubby headed past Lucy Thomas.
Chichester doubled their lead on 65 minutes as Molly Clark drilled into the top corner.
Stephanie Bent cleared off the line for United, before Noble’s free-kick reduced the arrears with ten minutes to go.
The U’s thought they had been given a chance to level late on, but the officials changed their mind after initially awarding a penalty.
Oxford are next in action on Sunday when they travel to Queens Park Rangers.
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