Quickfire double strike sees City pass Oxford test

Two goals in the space of a minute just before the hour mark secured City a 2-1 win over Oxford City at Twerton Park this evening. For the seventh time in nine games this season City conceded the first goal when debutant Kevin Amankwaah deflected a free-kick into his own net in the 28th minute. This was no less than the visitors deserved as they always looked the more threatening during the opening half. However, City came out after the interval looking much more determined, denying Oxford the space they had previously enjoyed and finally beginning to put pressure on their backline. And this paid off on 58 minutes when a Jack Compton corner was powerfully headed home by Jack Batten. And less than 60 seconds later Jamie Lucas showed great strength to hold off a defender before confidently steering the ball past Stevens in the Oxford goal. Marvin Morgan almost made it 3-1 two minutes later, latching onto a long ball forward but seeing his lob just clear the crossbar. Despite their slender lead City defended resolutely, Southwood dealing well with a number of crosses into the box and the impressive Darren Jones and Batten repelling everything the lime green clad opposition could throw at them. Morgan nearly grabbed a third goal in stoppage time after a strong run but moments later the whistle signalled another hard-fought three points for the Romans.