GOALKEEPER Matt Ingram was the hero as Oxford City held local rivals Brackley Town to a goalless draw at St James Park in Blue Square Bet North on Boxing Day.

Ingram, on a season’s loan from League Two Wycombe Wanderers, pulled off a string of superb saves, prompting manager Mike Ford to describe his display as “magnificent”.

Ford added: “I can’t praise him or the rest of my players highly enough. They were magnificent.

“We would have taken that result before the game.”

Brackley’s Tom Winters grazed a post in a first half which the visitors shaded, although there were few clear-cut chances at either end.

Gary Mulligan went close for Brackley with a header that Ingram was equal to, turning the ball over for a corner. The home side came on strong after the break and Ingram needed to be at his best as he denied efforts from Gary Mulligan and Eddie Odhiambo.

City had to rely on breakaways and went close from one of them when Felipe Barcelos forced a good stop from keeper Laurie Walker, who was deputising for Billy Turley.

Winters went close again in the closing stages as City came away grateful for a point and eager to renew rivalries at Court Place Farm on New Year’s Day.

Oxford City: Ingram, Mills, Stonehouse, Ballard, Learoyd, Willmott, Benjamin (Malone 56), Pond, Barcelos, McEachran ( Holgate 50), Stanley (Cook 84). Subs not used: Gunn, Mulvany.

Referee: J Busby. Attendance: 476.