OXFORD City failed to put a ten-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone after falling to a surprising 1-0 defeat at home to bottom side Whitehawk, writes PATRICK LOCK.

Gold Omotayo’s 58th minute free-kick proved the difference in the Vanarama National League South clash at Court Place Farm.

Both sides had chances in the opening period, David Pearce firing just wide for City from the edge of the box on five minutes.

Moments later, new City goalkeeper Craig King was called into action to deny Elliot Benyon.

He again found himself busy on 25 minutes as the former Luton Town stopper got down well to push away Omotayo’s goalbound effort.

City’s best chance of the match came on 31 minutes as Pearce’s powerful shot from the edge of the box was brilliantly saved by Daniel Wilks, despite seeing the ball late.

However, Whitehawk went on to control the second period, and got their reward on 58 minutes.

A free-kick following a foul on Benyon to the left of the box was brilliantly curled over the wall by Omotayo, leaving King with no chance.

The visitors nearly doubled their lead with eight minutes to go as Yannis Ambroisine’s header from a corner was tipped over the bar.

Ryan Worrell forced a final save out of King in the third minute of added time as Mark Jones’s side fell to defeat.

Oxford City: King, Jones (Navarro 87), Grant, Poku, Stevens, Oastler, McEachran (Peake-Pijnen 80), Fleet, Paterson, Pearce, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Forde 66). Sub not used: Fofana.

Attendance: 232.