GEORGIA Timms and Emily Allen did the damage against Portsmouth for the second time in a fortnight as Oxford United claimed a 2-0 victory on the south coast.

The result saw them effectively secure fourth place in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division with one game remaining.

Given the reverse fixture had only taken place earlier this month – the U’s winning 2-1 – the opening stages were cagey.

But just as in the meeting at Court Place Farm, Timms opened the scoring.

From Sophie Baker’s cross the striker got just enough contact on the ball to beat goalkeeper Hannah Haughton.

Buoyed by the goal, the visitors took charge and doubled the lead just before the break.

Allen, who netted the winner in the previous game against Pompey, cut in from the left flank before firing a shot which crept in with the help of a deflection.

United had to work hard to keep out a fired-up home side in the second half, with Lucy Thomas making a fine save to deny Jade Widdows’ fierce strike.

It preserved the clean sheet and they will be aiming to finish the campaign on a high at Loughborough Foxes on May 5.

Oxford Utd: Thomas, Baker, Mobbs, Sims, Bent, Allen, Noble, Haynes (Walklett), Gane, Williams (Fyfe), Timms.

Unused subs: Lynch, Sercombe, Roberts.