LEE Henderson’s header proved the difference as Oxford City beat Hemel Hempstead Town 1-0 at Marsh Lane on Saturday.
The victory extends their unbeaten run to four games in all competitions.
But it could have been a different result in the Vanarama National League South encounter after City conceded a penalty in the third minute, when Matt Saunders was fouled in the area.
Jordan Parkes, though, fired his spot-kick over the bar.
City weathered the pressure and goalkeeper Craig Hill saved a Parkes free-kick.
There were few opportunities for either side, but it was the hosts who scored what turned out to be the winner on 37 minutes.
Captain Henderson rose highest to head home a Jean Niate cross.
The second half turned out to be a dogged affair.
Kaiman Anderson and Jefferson Louis fired off target for City.
Mike Fondop also had a chance to double the hosts’s lead, only to shoot straight at goalkeeper Jamie Butler.
Hemel’s Jake Robinson headed over late on as City earned the three points.
Oxford City: Hill, Ngathe, Peake-Pijnen, Davies, Henderson, Niate, Carvalho (Anderson HT), Poku, Louis (Fondop 72), Fleet, Ngamvoulou (Khawaja HT).
Sub not used: Forde.
Attendance: 323.
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