Sutton Utd 1

(Watkins 54)

Oxford City 0

Oxford City’s hopes of reaching the last 16 of the FA Carlsberg Trophy were dashed as they bowed out to the only goal of the game at Sutton United.

The first half of the second-round tie belonged to the Blue Square Bet South hosts, who put City under plenty of pressure.

Craig Watkins, who was to prove Sutton’s match-winner, gave an early warning of his threat with a long-range shot, which was deflected out for a corner.

Harry Ottaway’s dangerous cross then flew across City’s goal and away to safety, before Watkins headed Stefan Payne’s centre wide.

City keeper Matt Ingramturned away Payne’s shot for a corner and then saved Steven Old’s header.

City were rarely allowed to get forward, but the home side failed to capatilise on their possession and the Blue Square Bet North visitors came closest to scoring when Josh Mulvany’s effort clipped the crossbar.

In the second half, City came more into the game and Ashan Holgate might have done better when latching onto a Jack Mills’ cross.

However, the crucial goal came on 54 minutes when Watkins turned the ball home through a crowded area following a melee in front of City’s goal.

City then suffered a further blow when Mills was sent off for a second yellow card.

But despite being down to ten men, City seemed to show more determination as they went in search of an equaliser.

Mulvany was unlucky to see another strike get touched onto the bar by Kevin Scriven.

Substitute Felipe Barcelos then had his header from Andy Ballard’s long throw miraculously palmed away by Scriven.

But Sutton held on, while for City it was too little, too late.

Oxford City: Ingram, Mills, Stonehouse, Ballard, Learoyd, Willmott, Mulvany, Pond, Holgate (Janes 70), Cook (Barcelos 54), Stanley (Benjamin 60). Subs not used: Basham, Gunn.

Referee: D Cook (Gosport).

Attendance: 347.