MARK Jones’s first match in charge of Oxford City was a success as they edged to a 1-0 victory at home to Eastbourne Borough.

Jefferson Louis netted the decisive goal eight minutes from time to end City’s run of three straight defeats.

However, it was not all good news as debutant Jean Niate hobbled off late in the game with an ankle injury, less than 48 hours after signing from Solihull Moors.

The best opportunity of the first half fell to Eastbourne’s Elliott Romain, who broke quickly and deftly lobbed City keeper Tyrell Belford.

However, Godfrey Poku was on hand to preserve the home side’s clean sheet, racing back and desperately sliding in to clear off the line.

That came moments after City had almost edged ahead at the other end, with goalkeeper Charlie Horlock superbly flinging himself to his right to push out an excellent Scott Davies free-kick.

Josh Ashby also went close for City, shooting just high and wide after being teed up by Louis.

That would be their last clear sight at goal until the game’s closing stages as the visitors enjoyed the greater chances after the break.

Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain — brother of England international Alex — twice fired over the bar and Nathaniel Pinney also headed over.

And City duly punished Borough’s inability to finish with the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute.

Frenchman Stephane Ngamvoulou, a half-time substitute for the injured Tom Winters, created it with a great run up the right wing, before squaring for the unmarked Louis to tap in from close range.

The striker could even have grabbed a second five minutes later, outpacing the last man before firing straight at the keeper.

Hearts were in mouths as the match ticked into the fifth minute of stoppage time, with City indebted to Belford for keeping their lead.

Jamie Taylor had the perfect opportunity to level as he burst clear, but Belford excellently tipped his powerful strike over the bar to secure all three points.

Oxford City: Belford, Poku, Grant, Ashby, Henderson, Niate (Cundy 90+2), Ngathe (Roberts 64), Fleet, Louis, Davies, Winters (Ngamvoulou HT). Subs not used: Peake-Pijnen, MacAuley.

Attendance: 234.