A depleted Oxford City were beaten 2-1 away to Vanarama Conference North leaders AFC Fylde on Saturday, despite a determined display, writes Matthew Bruce.

City resisted for an hour before goals from Joe Booth and Richie Allen put the hosts firmly in control.

Substitute Tom Winters pulled one back for City late on, but they could not find an equaliser.

City, who could only name three players on the bench, were without several key figures, with captain Darren Pond filling in at centre back, striker Lewis Wilson again deputising at right back and Declan Benjamin pushed forward into central midfield.

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All three acquitted themselves excellently and they were frequently tested in a fraught opening 45 minutes dominated by the hosts, who had thrashed City 8-1 at Marsh Lane earlier this season.

Josh Wilson could have headed the home side in front inside two minutes when he found himself in space in front of goal, but his effort drifted just wide.

Danger man Allen also went close soon after with a sneaky shot, but his effort was well saved by goalkeeper Salva de la Cruz at his near post.

After the break, it was a more even contest and City almost scored when Adi Yussuf raced through onto a ball from Ander Del Alamo.

But Fylde’s former Oxford United goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe saved well when one-on-one.

Benjamin also tested Hinchliffe, jinking his way into space before firing low into the keeper’s path.

City’s stubborn resistance was finally broken shortly after the hour mark when Allen crossed for the unmarked Booth to head in from close range.

Just four minutes later Allen got himself on the scoresheet from an identical position, firing past the unguarded goalkeeper from point-blank range.

City were reeling and looked in danger of collapse, but quickly rallied to re-establish themselves in the game and prevented the hosts from running away with it.

Winters put them back into contention in the 86th minute, curling a beautiful free-kick over the wall and into the net.

Yussuf had the chance to steal an unlikely draw for City deep into injury time when he was played through.

But again he was denied when one-on-one with the keeper and the visitors just ran out of time to find an equaliser.

Oxford City: Salva, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Del Alamo, Pond, Santiago, Jackson, Wilson, Yussuf, Rodriguez (Winters 53), Barcelos (Pearson 65). Sub not used: Afolabi.

Attendance: 428.

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