OXFORD City stretched their unbeaten league run to six games with a battling 1-1 draw at playoff-chasing St Albans, writes RYAN BRATLEY.

But they were denied an impressive victory in Vanarama National League South when Rob Sinclair’s opener was cancelled out by Sam Merson’s 87th-minute equaliser.

City dominated the first half and could have gone into the break with a two-goal lead.

But Matt Paterson failed to add to Sinclair’s opener despite an almost open goal, before they had to settle for a point.

The draw leaves City fourth from bottom in the league table.

Mark Jones’s side made a strong start with Sinclair and Zac McEachran combining well in midfield, the former shooting straight into the hands of St Albans goalkeeper Dean Snedker.

Fresh from netting a hat-trick against Truro City during midweek, Paterson turned provider on 20 minutes.

After battling his way into the box from the right channel, the striker laid the ball off for Sinclair to score from the edge of the area.

It should have been 2-0 moments later as McEachran rounded Snedker and unselfishly squared to Paterson only for his touch to let him down with the goal gaping.

City goalkeeper Jack Stevens was finally called into action late in the half.

He reacted well to push away Zane Banton’s close range header, before turning a deflected effort from Tom Bender around the post.

City’s slender lead came under serious threat in the second period as St Albans attacked down the hill.

Ben Herd fired a close-range effort well wide, before Merson fired straight at Stevens from six yards.

City’s resolute defending looked like paying dividends when they hooked efforts from a corner and a free-kick off the line.

But the latter chance was then steered home by Merson with three minutes remaining.

Substitute Ezra Forde shot narrowly wide for City in added time as the visitors pushed for a late winner.

But they still needed Stevens to pull off another fine save to keep out a Charlie Walker free-kick.

Oxford City: Stevens, Oxlade-Chamerblain (Godwin-Malife 62), Pearce, Poku, Navarro, Oastler, McEachran, Fofana, Paterson (Forde 78), Sinclair (Jones 61), Fleet. Subs not used: Hirst, Tutton.

Attendance: 506.