Stacie Donnelly scored in her first start for Watford Ladies as the Golden Girls beat Oxford United 2-1 to move up to fourth place in Women’s Super League 2.

Donnelly scored the opening goal of Sunday’s game in the 16th minute and teammate Jo Wilson followed suit just before half-time.

Oxford pulled a goal back in the second half through Laura Low but the defeat leaves them second from bottom in the table.

Watford manager John Salomon told the club’s website: “First half I thought we were fantastic, created a lot of opportunities and, credit to the girls, we came in 2-0 up and it could have been more.

“Second half, we had to weather a couple of storms from set pieces. We had to be professional, see the game out and get the win, which we did.

“Donnelly did really well, she fitted into the midfield and had a very good first game. Ella Hill and Kim Farrow also came on for their first appearances.

“We have good young players in the system and for them to step up to Super League level and get a win today is fantastic; they played their part.”

The game got off to a slow start as both teams started with a 4-2-3-1 formation but Watford eventually dominated the first half.

Donnelly marked her first start with an impressive display and scored when she lifted the ball over the on-rushing Demi Lambourne.

Wilson added a second in first-half injury time when she reacted quickly after her initial effort was saved.

Oxford’s Low did well to find the bottom corner and beat Lauren Davey seven minutes after the restart.

The two goalkeepers showed their talents to a supportive crowd of 302 at the Abingdon United Armadillo Stadium and United’s Lambourne did well to deny Watford a last-minute third goal.

Watford Ladies: Davey, Mays, Hector, Gunn, Gulley, Beckett, Rowell, Donnelly (Hill 90), Natkiel (Farrow 58), Wynne, Wilson (Logie 80).