It’s Raynes ‘n’ Mann! Hallelujah! It’s Raynes ‘n’ Mann! Two-One!

A stoppage-time strike from Joe Raynes saw City beat Oxford City by two goals to one at Marsh Lane this afternoon. The first 45 minutes had been a largely forgettable affair that the home side just about shaded, although City did improve as the half progressed with Jack Batten and Ross Stearn drawing fine stops out of keeper King during its latter stages. After a early chance for Oxford in the second half the introduction of John Mills for Andy Watkins and a switch to a 4-4-2 formation saw City gain the upper hand. And the pressure finally told on 63 minutes when Adam Mann outjumped his marker to head Sean Rigg’s cross beyond King’s despairing dive. The lead only last six minutes though as Ryan Clarke could only push Ashby’s slightly deflected 25-yard effort into the roof of the net. City responded well to this blow, Ryan Brunt heading wide then forcing another fine save from King with a low shot. Further chances fell to Batten, Rigg and Mills but just when it looked as if City would have to settle for a point the ball found its way across to Raynes who made no mistake with a low drive from the corner of the box.