OXFORD City were unable to continue their fine form against top-half teams as Dartford ran out 2-0 winners at Court Place Farm, writes PATRICK LOCK.

Mark Jones’s side have beaten Hemel Hempstead Town, Truro City, Chelmsford City and Welling United in Vanarama National League South in recent weeks.

But goals from Elliot Bradbrook and Tom Murphy saw Dartford inflict back-to-back defeats on City, leaving them nine points clear of the relegation zone.

The visitors took the lead on five minutes when Bradbrook rifled past goalkeeper Craig King.

City looked to Matt Paterson as their main threat to get back into the game.

Firstly, he smashed over the crossbar from an Eddie Jones cross, before heading wide on three occasions.

City rode their luck after the break, with Eddie Jones clearing off the line.

Dartford were then grateful to goalkeeper Berti Schotterl, who brilliantly kept out Patterson’s effort.

Freddie Grant hit the crossbar with a header from the resulting corner.

But the killer blow arrived 15 minutes from time when Dartford’s Tom Murphy cut on to his right foot and curled brilliantly into the far corner.

City continued to push forward and Frankie Musonda’s powerful effort smashed the outside of a post on 83 minutes.

The hosts were ultimately beaten, but they remain clear of trouble as other results went their way.

Oxford City: King, Jones (Godwin-Malife 80), Stevens, Fofana (McEachran 67), Musonda, Oastler, Nombe, Fleet, Paterson, Sinclair, Grant (Forde 80).

Unused subs: Cotter.

Attendance: 363.