OXFORD City were made to pay for a disappointing display as their eight-match unbeaten league run came to an end in a 3-0 defeat at home to Gloucester City.

Mark Jones’ side headed into the contest looking to move further away from the Vanarama National League South relegation zone.

But against a side whom they beat on Boxing Day and were two points ahead of before kick-off, City endured a disappointing afternoon.

Chris Knowles and Karnell Chambers made it 2-0 to Gloucester at half-time, before Ethan Moore added a third after the break.

The defeat has seen City slip to 19th in the table, but still four points clear of the drop zone.

Jones’s side were punished for a below-par first-half performance.

They fell behind in the eighth minute when Knowles got in front of Freddie Grant to head past goalkeeper Jack Stevens.

The early goal boosted the visitors, who went onto dictate the majority of the half and look to attack at every opportunity.

But City were twice foiled by goalkeeper Tom Hadler, before conceding again.

Chambers found himself in space after pouncing on a loose ball and lobbed the advancing Stevens to make it 2-0 on 42 minutes.

The visitors continued to run the show after the break and Joe Parker shot narrowly wide when latching on to a Chambers through ball.

And it could have been 3-0 on 54 minutes as Kieran Parselle headed a corner against the crossbar.

A rare attack saw City threaten through Matt Paterson, but the striker’s header was off target.

Zac McEachran then went close for the hosts with a free-kick.

But Gloucester were not content with their lead and made it 3-0 on 73 minutes as Moore slotted home.

It could have been worse for City late on as Parker shot wide during injury time.

Oxford City: Stevens, Jones (Oxlade-Chamberlain 63), Grant (Poku 53), Fleet, Navarro, Oastler, McEachran, Fofana, Paterson, Sinclair, Pearce (Forde 78). Subs not used: Godwin-Malife, Khawaja.

Attendance: 332.