Watford Women kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 5-1 victory at Oxford United in the heavy rain last night.

Damon Lathrope’s squad are preparing for life back in the Championship after their play-off success against Nottingham Forest crowned a triumphant campaign, and they led 2-1 at the break before adding three more in the second period of the behind closed doors friendly.

Four of the goals were scored by trialists, with Bianca Baptiste also getting onto the scoresheet.

Fans of the Golden Girls will have the opportunity to watch their team in action for free on Saturday when they face National League Division One South East side Actonians in their next friendly.

The game will be played at Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub and will kick off at 2pm.

Two more behind closed doors friendlies have also been scheduled, at home to London Bees on Saturday, August 5 and away to Arsenal Under-21s on Sunday, August 20.