Striker Marlon Jackson scored twice on his return to help Oxford City come from behind and beat Marlow in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy at Marsh Lane on Saturday.

Jackson played for City last season before joining Tranmere Rovers, for whom he featured in 13 first-team games without scoring before being released.

Justin Merritt’s side were pleased to get him back at City, especially when he came on as a second-half substitute to ease their concerns against their visitors.

Marlow, from the lower echelons of Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South and West, twice took the lead before falling away in the last 20 minutes.

City, among the pacesetters in Vanarama National League South, were stunned after three minutes when Marcus Mealing punished some defensive hesitancy to put Marlow ahead.

The hosts raised their game and equalised after 19 minutes when Bradley Bubb, back from injury, struck a super effort from 30 yards.

When Reece Fleet put City ahead from Luke Coulson’s cross in the 28th minute, it seem they might have a comfortable afternoon.

But three minutes before half-time, some slack marking allowed Jordace Holder-Spooner to equalise.

And Marlow regained the lead in the 50th minute when Mealing scored his second past uncertain keeper Laurie Walker.

With a shock on the cards, Merritt brought on Jackson, but it was Kynan Isaac who made it 3-3 with a spectacular shot on 59 minutes.

City at last took control of the game and Jackson put them ahead in the 64th minute.

Bubb added his second in the 76th minute, before Jackso wrapped up the game six minutes from time, to seal City’s place in today’s first-round draw.

Oxford City: Walker, King (Lapoujade 75), Stonehouse, Lafuente (Benjamin 70), Arzamendi, Santiago, Coulson, Fleet, McDonagh (Jackson 56), Bubb, Isaac. Subs not used: Forner, Sterling-James.

Attendance: 177.