Report: Preseason 2010-11

Ladies - Ladies 1st Team - News

Report: Preseason 2010-11

Posted on 26/08/2010

Oxford United Ladies 09/10 season review.

United Ladies carried on their good form following a promotion season into the Southern Region Premier finishing with a solid upper-middle table position.

After their promotion from the Southern Region First Division into the Premier it was the step up in physicality more than quality, which the ladies struggled with early on with a couple of performances in the early part of the season that they were not proud of, but once the ladies found their form there was to be no stopping them.

With quality on their side the young United team knew that once they got used to the pace and 'hustle and bustle' of the Premier, they would be able to compete with the better sides in the league. They showed just that with an unbeaten run lasting from early December through to late April culminating with a County Cup final appearance against local rivals Oxford City. City edged the final 2-0, but the battling performance from the U's showed that they are a force to be reckoned with and when the two sides meet again this season (this time in the first round of the County Cup) City will know that United aren't a side to be taken lightly.

The off-season saw a change in Management for the Ladies and the Ladies Reserves. Academy coach Ben Thomas will be stepping up to manage the first team alongside coach Richard Blackmore and Tim Roberts, current under 16’s girl's manager, will be taking on the Reserves. Both managers come with a wealth of experience and after positive seasons for both teams (the Reserves had a successful season winning promotion on the final day) they will be looking to push on again and raise the quality.

Pre-season 2010 began early for the ladies as they packed their summer fixture list with trips to higher league opposition coming away even with two wins and two losses and this time United will be ready to compete from the off and will be looking to press for a promotion place come May.

The season begins on Sunday, 22nd August. Check out the www.ou-yc.co.uk/ladies for more information and match reports as the season progresses.