OXFORD City’s opening match of their pre-season campaign ended in defeat against a strong MK Dons outfit at Court Place Farm last night.

It was a good work-out for both sides, but the League One side had too much for City.

The visitors were first to show when Angelo Balanta just cleared the bar.

Soon after, Richard Knight in the City goal just failed to reach a through ball and prevent Jermaine Easter’s effort that clipped the bar as it went over.

Knight then did well to block Balanta’s shot, but the loose ball ran to Luke Chadwick, who put in an open goal.

At the other end, Ollie Burgess, making his City debut, put a free-kick over the bar.

Two minutes into the second half, MK Dons got a second when Balanta chipped the oncoming Knight.

City were competing well, but could not create chances.

Knight got down well to save Jabo Ibehre’s close-range shot.

On the final whistle, Dave Savage’s backpass eluded Knight, giving Oscar Martin-Hernandes the chance to put into the net.

Oxford City: Knight, Ballard (J Knight 76), Kinch (Aston 65), Clarke, McIllwaine, Malone, Burgess (Brownhills 74), Savage, Beechers (Holman 80), Sandy, Janes (Brooks 46).

Referee: A Woolmer.

Attendance: 348.