OXFORD City dropped into the bottom three as they fell to a 3-2 home defeat against fellow strugglers Poole Town, writes RYAN BRATLEY.

The hosts dominated the opening exchanges of the Vanarama National League South match, eventually taking a deserved lead through Matt Paterson, who hooked home from a 20th-minute corner.

A chip over the defence almost found the striker for a second, but Poole keeper Nick Hutchings was quick to deal with the danger.

The visitors drew level just before half-time.

A whipped cross from the right found Warren Bentley at the back post and his controlled header back across goal beat Jack Stevens.

Reece Fleet almost struck back immediately for City, but hit the bar from six yards.

Poole were disappointed to have a penalty shout waved away, just before they took the lead in the 68th minute.

Following an incisive move, Bentley tapped home after an initial shot was blocked.

The visitors made it 3-1 in the 78th minute when a quick break from a poor City free-kick saw three attackers overwhelm two defenders, Jez Bedford scoring into an unguarded net.

Paterson poked in a late consolation for City after Ezra Forde struck a post, but more resolute defending saw the visitors run out deserved winners.

Oxford City: Stevens, Welch-Hayes, Grant (Forde 72), Poku, Oastler, Navarro, Jones (Pearce 72) Fleet, Paterson, Sinclair, McEachran (Hirst 80). Sub not used: Tutton.

Attendance: 252.