Report: Bristol City 4-0 Oxford United.

Shania Hayles opened the scoring in the first-half before a trio of strikes from Jodie Hutton, Jesse Woolley an Emily Syme secured City's place in the next round of the competition.

✍️ BACKGROUND

Lauren Smith opted for several changes for the Fourth Round tie as Fran Bentley returned in goal, while Gracie Pearse and Jodie Hutton lined up on the left side of the defence.

Aimee Palmer returned to the engine room with Grace Clinton joining Abi Harrison and Shania Hayles in the front three.

📝 WHAT HAPPENED? 

City started the Cup tie on the front foot and dominated the early proceedings at the Robins High Performance Centre, as Abi Harrison looked to test Rose Kite in the Oxford United net, before Shania Hayles headed over the bar.

Fran Bentley was called into action as Iesha Swabey lashed a shot towards the bottom corner, however the keeper got down to her left to push the ball behind for a corner. 

Harrison then directed a header just wide of the target before Hutton had a go, only to see her header cleared off the line. 

City continued to pepper Oxford United’s goal but couldn’t find the breakthrough as Kite was out quickly on two occasions to deny Syme and Hayles. 

On the cusp of half-time, City finally broke down the door. Palmer’s driven free-kick bounced in the area and was nodded home by Hayles as she continued her free-scoring form.

⏱️ HALF-TIME

Only three minutes were played before the Reds doubled their advantage. Harrison and Syme combined on the edge of the area to allow the latter to pick out Hutton in the six-yard box to slam home.

The hosts continued to test Oxford's resolve and went close to getting a third on the board direct from a set-pieces on two occasions through Hutton and Palmer. 

With just under 20 minutes left to play, City had their third. Pearse and Chloe Bull combined to free Hutton on the left wing and the wing-back's pinpoint cross picked out Woolley to power past the helpless Kite. 

Syme rounded off the scoring in spectacular style as she shifted the ball from out under her feet and fizzed one up and over Kite to bag yet another impressive goal at the Robins High Performance Centre.

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🏃‍♂TEAM

Bentley, Cataldo (Ward 61), Layzell, Pearse, Wilde, Palmer, Syme, Hutton (Powell 79'), Hayles (Teisar 79'), Clinton (C.Bull 33'), Harrison (Woolley 61')

Subs: Loughborough, Boddy, Bruce

🎥 POST-MATCH REACTION 

📸 GALLERY

🗓 UP NEXT AT HOME

City are back in action at the Robins High Performance Centre in two week's time for the visit of Lewes FC in the Barclays Championship (Sunday, February 12th, 3pm).