Oxford City’s pre-season friendly with MK Dons was extra special for Oxford City Casuals player Ian Lawrence and his family.

The game, which City lost 3-0, was Lawrence’s first time back at Court Place Farm after his heroic three-month battle with serious illness.

He became ill during City’s FA Cup first round 3-2 extra-time defeat at Burton Albion in early November and was rushed into hospital.

Lawrence’s condition deteriorated and he required life-support therapy during the three months he spent at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

True to his fighting spirit and supported by his family and the medical teams at the hospital, Lawrence pulled through.

He is a member of Oxford City Casuals, City’s successful section of adult and junior players with learning difficulties.

Casuals play in the BOBi League (Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Inclusion), with more than 70 players registered at the club.

The league was formed at Oxford City in 2008, comprising Oxford City, the MK Dons and the Oxfordshire, and Berks & Bucks FAs.

While this pre-season friendly was the first encounter between the senior sides, the ties between the two clubs are well established though their work in the BOBi where City and MK Dons have met on numerous occasions.

Lawrence is also an important member of the game-day staff at Court Place Farm.

After the game, he met MK Dons’ former German international and member of Liverpool’s Champions Lea-gue-winning team of 2005 Didi Hamann.

City’s managing director, Colin Taylor said: “MK Dons and Oxford City are clear examples of how football clubs can enrich the lives of people in their community.

“We are delighted to have Ian back and MK Dons have made this evening extra special for him and his father Dick.”

Meanwhile, City defender Delroy Gordon has joined Southern League rivals Banbury United.