OXFORD City failed to capitalise on an early lead in slipping to a 2-1 defeat at home to Braintree Town, writes RYAN BRATLEY

Billy Crook’s penalty late in the first half cancelled out Matt Paterson’s opener, before substitute Phil Roberts won the game following an incisive break from a City free-kick.

The hosts dominated the opening exchanges of the Vanarama National League South clash as Paterson forced a good save from Nathan McDonald and fired another effort wide.

The striker found the back of the net in the seventh minute, knocking the ball around a defender before poking under the keeper.

The visitors grew into the game and Roberts saw an effort chalked off for offside.

He was then fouled by Eddie Jones in the box and Crook beat Jack Stevens from the spot.

Braintree took the lead in the 75th minute as a diagonal ball found Roberts unmarked at the far post to slot home.

The hosts failed to find a response in the final stages despite Braintree being reduced to ten men as Osa Obamwonyi went off for treatment to a head injury.

The defeat sees City drop to 19th ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Bath.

Oxford City: Stevens, Jones, Navarro, Sinclair, Poku, Oastler, Hirst (Fassanmade 76), Fleet, Paterson (Bennett 75), McEachran (Forde HT), Pearce.Sub not used: Ngathe.

Attendance: 312.