OXFORD City took a big step towards safety as they ran out 2-1 winners over Eastbourne Borough at Court Place Farm, writes PATRICK LOCK.

The result leaves Mark Jones’s side 12 points clear of the Vanarama National League South relegation zone with just 15 points remaining.

Two quick-fire goals early in the second half were enough for City, who were able to hold on at the end, despite Yemi Odubade’s late strike for the visitors.

Both sides had chances to lead in the first half, Borough’s Matt Pickering firing wide after a corner found him unmarked on 18 minutes.

Then City’s Sam Nombe forced a good save out of Mark Smith down the other end after Reece Fleet found him in space on the break.

The deadlock was broken seven minutes into second half.

Nombe surged down the wing before cutting in on the byline and delivering a cross towards Matt Paterson a couple of yards out.

However, the ball struck the unfortunate Pickering who could only divert into his own net.

Four minutes later and Paterson made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.

The excellent Fleet surged into the box, before he was tripped by Sergio Torres, referee Jack Packman not hesitating before pointing to the spot.

Paterson made no mistake with his effort.

City looked the most likely to score again, with Fleet twice going close.

Firstly, on 62 minutes, he curled just wide from the edge of the box, before a long-range pile-driver had the ‘keeper scrambling to see the effort wide.

Odubade set up a nervy finish for City as he worked his way into the right-hand side of the box and fired across King, but the hosts were able to hold on.

Oxford City: King, Jones, Grant, Fofana, Musonda (Stevens 50), Oastler, Nombe (Godwin-Malife 88), Fleet, Paterson, Sinclair, McEachran (Cotter 75). Subs not used: Forde, Henderson.

Attendance: 221.