JAMES Roberts got off the mark, but could not stop Oxford City losing 3-1 at home to Ebbsfleet United, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The 20-year-old striker, on loan from Oxford United, finally opened his account for the season to put City in front early on.

But his effort was rendered academic as Charlie Sheringham equalised for the visitors before the break, with second-half goals in quick succession from Sean Shields and former City player Bradley Bubb sealing their fate.

Roberts has had to endure a lengthy wait to get off the mark after joining Justin Merritt’s side in September.

But he needed just eight minutes against the promotion-chasing visitors, seizing on some hesitant defending before curling a beautiful strike into the top corner from 25 yards out.

City could have extended their lead just three minutes later when Godfrey Poku’s ball was pushed out to Josh Ashby, whose close-range effort was blocked by Ebbsfleet keeper Nathan Ashmore.

Jonny Giles, making his final appearance for City before his return to United, also had a go with a low strike, but it was comfortably held by Ashmore.

The visitors worked their way into the match and offered a hint of what was to come when Kenny Clark headed against the bar.

And they got the leveller six minutes before half-time when a long throw found Sheringham unmarked and he buried his drive into the bottom corner.

The second half was less than 30 seconds old when Giles caught Ashmore off his line with an ambitious long-range effort, which was just clawed away by the Ebbsfleet stopper.

Tom Winters brilliantly whipped in a free-kick for Jefferson Louis shortly before the hour mark, but the big striker directed his header wide.

And Reece Fleet saw a curling shot tipped away from goal.

However, that was the last clear attempt City would have as the visitors seized control.

Shields put Ebbsfleet in front in the 73rd minute with a low side-footed strike which went through keeper Tyrell Belford.

And just moments later, Bubb — who finished last season as City’s top scorer with 22 goals in all competitions — was on hand to finish off his former side with a neat volley from a corner.

Oxford City: Belford, Poku, Grant, Ashby, Cundy, Henderson, Giles (Davies 81), Fleet, Roberts (Ofosu 81), Louis, Winters (MacAuley 81). Sub not used: Ngathe.

Attendance: 752.