LUKE Coulson’s phenomenal 30-yard strike proved in vain as Oxford City were beaten 2-1 at Havant & Waterlooville in Vanarama National League South, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

City trailed at the break to Adrian Clifton’s goal, but appeared to have salvaged a point when Coulson struck after 80 minutes.

However, there was one final sting in the tail as Dan Strugnell headed home a late winner to condemn City to their first defeat of the season.

It was almost the perfect start against his old side for striker Bradley Bubb when he finished off a neat move with a simple tap into an empty net.

But his goal was ruled out because of an offside call against Julen Lafuente during the build-up.

Jose Lapoujade and Bubb both went close for City during a lively opening period, but it was the home side who would seize the advantage after 30 minutes.

Clifton evaded the attentions of the City defence to sneak in at the back post and turn in Ben Swallow’s deep cross.

Only the inspired form of goalkeeper Ryan Young kept City from equalising before the break, getting down low to keep out a Lapoujade shot and then somehow beating away Reece Fleet’s thunderous strike from distance.

Young was at full stretch to tip over Darren Pond’s closerange header after an hour, but just when it seemed he wouldn’t be beaten Coulson came up with something special.

Collecting the ball 30 yards from goal in the 80th minute, Coulson arrowed a sweetly struck effort into the lefthand corner to level the score.

But the sides were even for just two minutes as City switched off from a corner, allowing Strugnell a free header past debutant goalkeeper Craig Hill.

Oxford City: Hill, Coulson, Lapoujade, Del Alamo, Arzamendi, Santiago, Fleet, Pond, Bubb (Lawrence 74), Lafuente (Mukendi 53), Pifarré (Sterling-James 65). Subs not used: Benjamin, Henderson.

Referee: G Parsons.