Oxford RL almost upset the formbook in Kingstone Press League 1 as they lost 36-26 against 12-man York City Knights.

The Blues found themselves within a converted try of victory, but Jack Blagbrough’s late score condemned them to a sixth-straight defeat.

Knights got off to a nightmare start when Jack Aldous saw red for striking out at Lee Land after six minutes.

But the hosts were soon 10-0 up as Ben Dent crossed, before Blagbrough went over. James Haynes converted.

Oxford hit back through Josh Nathaniel, with Nathan Kitson adding the extras.

However, Haynes converted his own try for 16-6.

Oxford’s Craig Cook went over – Kitson was successful from the boot – before Greg Minikin’s converted try put the hosts 22-12 ahead at the break.

The Blues started the second half strongly, with Nathaniel going over for his second, but their defence switched off and allowed Josh Tonks to burst through.

York looked to have sealed the game on 52 minutes when Minikin ran in from 70 metres for a 30-16 lead.

However, Oxford’s Kyle Danns powered over for a converted try, before Andrew Hoggins crossed to reduce the hosts’ lead to four points.

York eventually won it as Blagbrough touched down and Dent added the extras.