Durham manager Lee Sanders praised the early impact of Rebecca Beech as her goal set the Wildcats on the way to their first FA Women’s Super League 2 victory of the season against Oxford United.

They won 3-0, Beech opening her team's account for the season after just five minutes at New Ferens Park, steering home Jordon Atkinson’s cross from close range.

Amelia Pereira then fired in a stunning second, before Courtney Corrie’s stoppage time finish ensured the hosts picked up the three points.

And Sanders admitted the former Hull City Ladies striker is adapting well to life in FA Women’s Super League 2.

“It was great to get that early goal,” the Durham boss said.

“Becky has stepped up from a few levels down and she’s finding her feet at this level, but she’s been in the right areas at the right time and she is able to put the ball in the back of the net.

“It is a fantastic start at home for us – three points, three goals and a clean sheet, you have to be happy with that.

“I think Oxford were probably the better side in the first half, but after the first 15 minutes in the second half we just found another gear, that kicked in and we pushed on from there.”

Meanwhile, United manager Les Taylor insisted his side must be more clinical if they are to prosper in FA Women’s Super League 2.

The visitors did create some good opportunities as they dominated periods of the game - Lindsay Pinker firing just wide before Durham keeper Helen Alderson produced a pair of fine saves with the score at 1-0 - but they were ultimately made to pay for the misses.

“In the first half we probably we had more possession, but we didn’t really hurt the goalkeeper – Durham had one realistic chance and they finished it,” the United boss said.

“We came out in the second half and were dominant for about 20 minutes, we created five or six chances but couldn’t find the net.

“Again, they probably only had two shots on goal and they scored them both. You’ve got to take your chances, and I’m disappointed that we weren’t able to take ours today – they were the better finishers on the day.

“We’ve won one and lost one at this early stage, so we’ve got to regroup and look forward to the next game.”

Durham (4-2-3-1): Alderson; Jennings, Wilson, Nelson, Jordinson; Linsley (Scott 70), Christon; Atkinson (Corrie, 58), Hepple, Perreira; Beech (Ross 90). Subs (not used): Moorhouse, Clark, White