DEBUTANT Riva Casley remained positive after Oxford United were beaten 5-3 by Millwall Lionesses in their season opener at Northcourt Road.

Lucy Loomes and Ashlee Hincks both scored twice for the visitors in the FA Women’s Super League 2 clash, which was delayed by an hour after Millwall got stuck in traffic.

Rinsola Babajide netted Lionesses’ fifth as goals from Lauren Allison, Ini Umotong and Laura Nichol proved in vain for United.

Defender Casley made her step up to the senior side, but the 17-year-old admitted the defeat had given her debut a sour note.

She said: “It’s a massive step-up to this level and I have to admit I was a little hesitant at first.

“They’re a lot stronger and a lot more physical, but you’ve just got to throw yourself at them.

“As a team we are strong and we are a unit. We just need to get working hard, stick to our game and hopefully get the results.”

The visitors took the lead against the run of play after 11 minutes when Hincks lobbed goalkeeper Demi Lambourne,

But they were pegged back when Allison hooked home.

Loomes restored Millwall’s advantage and struck again in the second half to make it 3-1.

Hincks’ unstoppable 30-yard strike stretched their lead, but United responded when Umotong glanced home and Nichol reduced the deficit further 11 minutes from time.

But any hopes of a comeback were dashed on 87 minutes when Babajide scored from close range.