LIAM Gilbert was thrilled with Oxford United Women’s ‘professionalism’ as they saw off Swindon Town 5-0.

The U’s were in control from start to finish and swept to victory, courtesy of Sophie Baker’s first-half hat-trick and Beth Lumsden’s double after the break.

It gave United bragging rights over their rivals, as well as progression from the preliminary round of the National League Cup.

With Swindon a division below the U’s, Gilbert knew his side had to be switched on to avoid an upset at Court Place Farm.

The U’s boss said: “I know the rivalry between the two clubs, but for us the main thing was ‘can we get into the next round?’

“Then we deal with anything else afterwards.

“The girls were really professional and I was really happy with how patient we were, how we looked to try to probe.

“Yes, the final pass could’ve been a little bit slicker at times, but some of the football was superb.”

The game was all-but won by half-time, but United kept their standards high and Lumsden’s two goals took her tally to eight for the season.

But midfielder Baker took the match ball after scoring three times in the opening 31 minutes – including two in two minutes on the half-hour mark – and her manager felt it was fully deserved.

Gilbert said: “Bakey was superb, her movement away from the ball goes unnoticed quite often.

“She makes those runs every single game, so for them to fall to her and have the presence of mind to stay composed and pick her spot was brilliant.

“She’s really starting to excel.”