SWINDON Town Ladies suffered a 3-1 derby 3-1 defeat against Oxford in the South West Combination League.

Town missed an early chance when Carly Smith ran clear but failed to beat the goalkeeper.

In the first Oxford attack Deanne Tomkins ran through but Michele Brown cleared the danger with a well timed challenge.

Both of Town's front runners Claire Moreton and Smith were causing problems for the Oxford defence but neither were able to trouble the goalkeeper.

In the 21st minute Town got the goal that they had threatened. Goalkeeper Diane George's long clearance was latched onto by Moreton, who went on to beat the advancing keeper.

The visitors hit back though when Alison Stuart knocked a free kick into Town's goalmouth. It was headed on by Tomkins but the ball flew the wrong side of the post.

Moreton was kept out by a fine diving save by Oxford keeper Maxine Summers and in the 30th minute Oxford drew level when Paula Callinan picked out Gemma Rudman to score.

Smith was unlucky not to find the net while, at the other end George did well to keep out Tomkins' shot.

After the break, exchanges were even as both sides struggled to take control.

In the 72nd minute Oxford took the lead. Alison Stuart crossed to Joanne Hunt who scored from close range.

Town fought back and Hayley Sprules put Jenny Webster clear on the right but her shot flew just past the far post.

Oxford secured the points in the 87th minute when Alison Stuart scored with a long-range shot.

Town Reserves beat Brize Norton by 5-0 in the first round of the Wiltshire County League Cup. Natasha Chapman and Holly Burton both scored twice with Laura Allsop scoring the other goal.