OXFORD United suffered a late setback as they kicked off their season with a 1-0 loss to Crawley Wasps in the FA Women’s National League Cup.

Naomi Cole struck the only goal six minutes from time at Court Place Farm.

It was the second time in as many seasons Wasps had knocked the U’s out, having won their second round clash last term.

The afternoon began brightly for the hosts.

In sweltering conditions their central midfield partnership of Kayleigh Hines and Lauren Haynes controlled the tempo.

Hines had two early sights of goal from range, with the second effort flying narrowly wide.

Boss Liam Gilbert had to reshuffle his side midway through the half when Ellie Kirby was forced off through injury, replaced by Ellie Searle.

Crawley had to deal with a host of corners late in the half, while Georgia Timms had an effort saved by Frankie Gibbs after being put through.

The goalkeeper was called into action again after the restart, but Immy Lancaster fired straight at the Wasps stopper.

Crawley came into the game in the latter stages, missing a great chance 20 minutes from time.

But with extra time looming, they cashed in with their next big chance, Cole exploiting a defensive mistake to fire past goalkeeper Paris Sercombe.

Oxford Utd: Sercombe, Roberts, Clifford, Beaver, Kirby (Searle), Hines, Haynes, Johns, Lancaster, Bent, Timms (Moore).