OXFORD City general manager Justin Merritt felt his side deserved better than a 2-1 defeat at Havant & Waterlooville in Vanarama National League South on Saturday, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

It was City’s first taste of defeat this season, but their boss felt their performance merited at least a point.

“We’re disappointed because, particularly in the first half, we totally dominated,” he said.

“We created lots of chances and some of our play was very slick. We were dominant really But we’ve got to be more clinical.”

“It’s no good us outplaying a team for 70 per cent of the game and then letting in two soft goals, because you’re not going to score three every week.”

City looked to have secured a point thanks to Luke Coulson’s spectacular long-range effort late on, only to concede a poor winner just moments later.

And Merritt admitted the full-back could feel aggrieved that his contribution went unrewarded.

Merritt added: “Luke was exceptional today and didn’t deserve to be on the losing team. It was a goal worthy of three points, let alone one.”