Oxford City may have only come away with a 1-1 draw from their vital clash with fellow Skril North strugglers Stalybridge Celtic, but for manager Mike Ford it felt like a win.

Substitute Chris Willmott’s late header earned City a draw, ensuring they remain a point clear of their rivals with a game in hand.

And Ford was especially proud of his side’s late showing, coming off the back of a gruelling week, which saw City play four times in seven days.

He said: “I’ve got nothing but praise for my players; they looked out on their legs after 75 minutes.

“With what we’ve done this week, four tough games, unbeaten in all four, falling behind with ten minutes to go, again it feels like a win.

“We spoke in the week that if we can pick up two wins we can come here and not lose.

“I think that’s a better result for us than it is for Stalybridge.”