A GREAT late save denied Oxford City all three points in their opening match of the season against Eastbourne Borough at Court Place Farm.

The game finished goalless in sweltering conditions, but the visitors will be happier with a point following that late drama.

With defences generally on top, City boss Mark Jones made one final change in an attempt to try to claim victory, Eze Ibrahim replacing Kyran Wiltshire.

The substitute was provided with an opportunity not long after coming on.

Reece Fleet had a shot from range that was parried by Eastbourne’s goalkeeper Mark Smith, straight to Ibrahim.

However the ‘keeper made a brilliant save from the striker’s shot to ensure the draw.

City suffered a double blow before the match, as Kabongo Tshimanga had not fully recovered from the knock he received in the friendly against Brackley, while Ben Jefford was unable to start due to illness.

However, both were on the bench.

Jones opted to keep his 5-3-2 formation that had worked well in pre-season with Craig King starting in goal, protected by captain Joe Oastler, Luke Ruddick and Udoka Godwin-Malife as a back three, with Eddie Jones and Kyran Wiltshire operating as wing-backs.

Rob Sinclair sat just in front of the defence with Josh Ashby and Fleet starting as more advanced midfielders, supporting striker Matt Paterson and Zac McEachran, who sat in just behind last season’s top scorer.

McEachran looked most likely to create something in the first period.

In the 13th minute, he was played through one-on-one with the keeper, but was thwarted by a great tackle from Kristian Campbell.

Then McEachran found time to switch onto his favoured right foot, but his shot just beat the post.

The game failed to ignite early in the second half.

Both sides had chances, but neither goalkeeper was called into significant

action.

Eastbourne’s Ryan Hall had a good opportunity, but was unable to keep his effort down.

Tshimanga, coming on as a substitute, saw his first-time shot smashed into the side-netting, before Ibrahim’s late chance.

Oxford City: King, Jones, Godwin-Malife (Jefford 61), Sinclair, Ruddick, Oastler (c), Ashby (Tshimanga 61), Fleet, Paterson, McEachran, Wiltshire (Ibrahim 88). Subs not used: Fasanmade, Krasniqi

Attendance: 282.