Luton Town Ladies put up a strong fight against tier-three Oxford United but the U’s proved to be too strong for the resilient Hatters who bowed out in the FA Cup second round on Sunday.

Oxford took the lead with little over 60 seconds played. Maisy Parker’s delivery from the left hand side was headed past Sarah Hudson by Holly Manders from the centre of the area.

The hosts continued to threaten after the early lead. Parker advanced into the Town area, but a strong challenge from Tanay Blacksley prevented the winger from getting her shot off.

But the U’s were not to be kept out for long, and it was the same combination again that unlocked the Hatters’ defence. Parker skipped past Shanice Lewis and her low, driven ball into the area was tucked away by Manders.

Just shy of the half hour mark, Leyah Maddix pulled a goal back for the Town. Out of nothing, the skipper collected the ball out on the left, cut inside past an Oxford defender and, on her right foot, curled the ball into the far corner.

With minutes remaining at the end of the first 45, Hudson did well to prevent Mandera from netting her hat-trick. Ruby Sealey squared the ball to the forward, but Hudson was equal to it, pulling off an impressive reaction save.

However Oxford regained their two-goal lead five minutes after the restart. Manders’ free-kick was knocked on by Riva Casley into the path of Naomi Bedeau, who rose highest to add her sides third of the afternoon.

The Ladies held their own against the tier-three side, but were unable to test the U’s in the second-half.

The Town are back in league action next Sunday, when they travel to Chesham United.

Town: Hudson, Lewis, Blacksley, Swarres, Tambula, Fensome, Mulvaney (Dickens 67), Maddix (Makowska 67), Milliken, O’Leary, Beaufort.

Unused subs: Robinson, Fruer, Gayle, Sargeant.