A DEPLETED Oxford United were beaten 1-0 at Cardiff City in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.

Manager Liam Gilbert named a youthful side for the trip to Wales, with several key players injured or unavailable.

The U’s acquitted themselves well and hit the crossbar twice, but lost by a single goal.

He said: “It was a really disappointing way to end the year but we had players out and I couldn’t ask for much more from those who played.

“There was no shortage of effort and we have done well in the first half of the season, so now we have to rest up, get ready and start strongly in January.”

Oxford Utd: Watson, Searle, Clifford, Roberts, Kirby (French), Haynes, Baker, Williams, McLachlan, Moore (Sercombe), Johns (Bent).

Attendance: 105.