MK Dons Women were beaten 3-1 by Oxford United at Stadium MK, as they suffered their second defeat of the new season.

Charlie Bill’s side lost their opening-day match with Watford but responded last weekend at Crawley Wasps, winning 1-0 thanks to a late Mollie Coupar goal.

However, they fell behind early against Oxford United, with the visitors opening the scoring from the penalty spot after just three minutes.

Chez Albert fired over midway through the first half as the Dons searched for an equaliser while Chloe Sansom pulled off a terrific save to keep the deficit at one heading into the break.

Vicky Barrett and Coupar both missed early second-half chances while Albert was denied by the U’s goalkeeper.

Oxford then tripled their advantage with two goals in eight minutes to put the game out of reach for Bill and his players.

The Dons did grab a consolation courtesy of Hannah Barrett’s headed finish but, in the end, weren’t able to salvage a result.

Wednesday’s defeat leaves the Dons 10th in the FAPWL Southern Premier Division table. Next up, they host bottom-of-the-table Hounslow this Sunday at Stadium MK.

MK Dons: Sansom, Bolton (Newman 82), Neal, Bright, V Barrett, Rush, Albert (Littlechild 62), Pepper, Bell, Warren, Coupar (H Barrett 62).

Subs: Newman-Booth, Newsome.

Goal: H Barrett (90+2)