OXFORD City came from behind to beat Dartford 2-1 at Marsh Lane last night and climb to the highest league position in their 133-year history.

The hosts mis-fired in the first half and trailed at the break to Andy Pugh's 35th minute strike after Dartford pounced on a loose pass.

But a tactical switch to a back three for the second half paid off handsomely.

John Arzamendi levelled with a composed finish eight minutes after the restart and Kynan Isaac, one of two half-time substitutes, came up with the winner after a low 71st minute shot.

With Bath City losing at Gosport Borough, City's fourth victory in five games sent them second in Vanarama National League South – breaking new ground.

General manager Justin Merritt was thrilled with the accolade and believes they have what it takes to sustain a challenge at the sharp end of the table.

He said: "That's the highest Oxford City have been in their history.

"I said to the players at half-time 'what a great achievement that would be'.

"There's no reason why (we can't stay there), but we've got to keep improving.

"Every victory we've had there are things which have been wrong in it or times when we've been a bit naive.

"That's ten league games already so we are nearly a quarter of the way through our fixtures, we've just got to keep it going."

He added: "I don't very often get heated in the dressing room, but I was bitterly disappointed with the first half.

"We changed it around and we ended up worthy winners."

Oxford City: Walker, King, Arzamendi, Henderson, Stonehouse (Isaac HT), Del Alamo, Fleet, Coulson, Lafuente, Sterling-James (Pifarre 74), Mukendi (McDonagh HT).

Unused subs: Benjamin, Lawrence.

Attendance: 283.

LAST NIGHT’S LOCAL RESULTS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

Oxford City 2, Dartford 1.

EMIRATES FA CUP

1st qualifying round replay: Didcot Tn 4, VCD Ath 3.

UHLSPORT HELLENIC LEAGUE

Premier Div: Abingdon Utd 0, Kidlington 6; Ardley Utd 1, Ascot Utd 3; Milton Utd 3, Bracknell Tn 3; Thame Utd 0, Oxford City Nomads 1.