Oxford City 2

(Basham 36, Lyon 57)

Evesham Utd 0

Oxford City got their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division play-offs’ challenge back on track with victory over relegation candidates Evesham United at Court Place Farm on Saturday.

Following their defeat at Stourbridge the previous week, City were keen to secure a much-needed win.

However, although Kynon Issac put in a couple of reasonable efforts for City there was nothing to trouble either keeper in the opening half-hour.

But, with 36 minutes gone, City scored when Steve Basham turned Wayne Blossom’s centre goalwards and it clipped Callum Henry as it went in.

Evesham keeper Daniel Platt then saved Blossom’s header from a Darren Pond corner, while at the other end Chris Willmott was left counting his blessings after nodding against his own bar while trying to clear.

In the second half, Henry Eze headed wide from Jared Wilson’s centre as Evesham went in search of an equaliser.

Declan Benjamin had a couple of chances for City, with Platt saving his first effort, before he fired over when well placed.

But City increased their lead in the 57th minute when Felipe Barcelos crossed from the left, and substitute Michael Lyon nipped in to shoot past Platt.

City rarely looked in danger after that, although John Griffin was guilty of squandering a gilt-edged chance for the visitors.

Oxford City: Mooney, Clarke (Lyon HT), Blossom, Ballard, Pond, Willmott, Benjamin (Martin 88), Learoyd, Basham (Woodley 66), Barcelos, Issac. Subs not used: Bell, McCloughlin.

Referee: C Wicks.

Attendance: 165.