OXFORD United Women bowed out of the Continental Tyres Cup after losing 2-0 at home to WSL 1 side Birmingham City in the first round.

Manager Les Taylor made two changes to the side which held WSL 2 leaders Yeovil Town to a 2-2 draw, with Demi Lambourne replacing Hannah Cox in goal and Ellie Noble coming in for the injured Madison Lee.

Birmingham quickly took a grip of the game, but were repeatedly frustrated by a determined United defence.

An excellent block from Laura Rafferty denied Andrine Hegerberg, while keeper Demi Lambourne smothered well at the feet of the striker.

The visitors took the lead ten minutes before half-time, when Lambourne pulled down Isabel Linden in the box.

Although she dived the right way, the U’s keeper was unable to get a hand to Hegerberg’s spot-kick.

Ini Umotong almost brought United level in the second half as her shot stung the palms of Sophie Baggaley.

Umotong did beat the Birmingham keeper 11 minutes from time, striking first time from Ella Franklin-Fraiture’s through ball, only to see her effort come back off the inside of the post.

Moments later, United’s hopes were dashed when the visitors added a second as Melissa Lawley netted past United’s substitute keeper Cox, who came on after Lambourne sustained an injury.

Oxford United: Lambourne (Cox 49), Frampton, Haynes, Lane, Umotong, Allison, Franklin-Fraiture, Pickett, Nichol (Deeley 69), Rafferty, Noble (Timms 64). Subs not used: Baker, Deeley, Dyer, Weston.

Attendance: 454.