TOM Winters opened his account for the season in style, Oxford City stunned high-flying hosts Hampton & Richmond Borough 1-0, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The victory gives City a four-point cushion over the Vanarama National League South drop zone and also ends their goal drought after 231 minutes without scoring.

City had to ride their luck to withstand an onslaught in the latter stages of the first half.

Hampton star man Jamal Lowe, who has agreed a six-figure move to Portsmouth in January, twice went close to adding to his tally of 18 goals in a lively opening period.

And Brendan Kiernan was inches away from putting the hosts in front after 15 minutes, hooking the ball over his shoulder from six yards out, only to see it crash against the bar.

Jefferson Louis came closest for City before the break with a speculative long-range drive, while Winters and Reece Fleet each had shots blocked.

But having come through the first half unscathed, City struck the killer blow after the break.

The home side were left stunned six minutes into the second half as Mike Fondop broke quickly up the right wing before picking out Winters, who tucked the ball past keeper Aaron Howe at his near post.

Louis could even have doubled the advantage five minutes later with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area, which Howe did well to palm over.

But there were still some nervy moments for City.

Hampton thought they had levelled when Nicke Kabamba bundled home in the 69th minute, only for his effort to be ruled out for a foul on City keeper Jack Stevens.

And Kieran Murphy was left with his head in his hands after his looping header seemed destined for the net, only for City stand-in captain Godfrey Poku to somehow clear the ball off the line.

And despite considerable pressure, City stood strong to claim just their fourth victory of the season

Oxford City: Stevens, Poku, Grant, Ashby, Henderson Cundy, Giles (MacAuley 69), Fleet, Fondop, Louis, Winters (Roberts 69). Subs not used: Ofuso, Ngathe.

Attendance: 606.