Paul Lee was in charge for the last time as City allowed Tilbury to twice come back from behind to take a share of the Ryman Division 1 North points at Court Place Farm on Saturday.
City had an early chance when Kevin Lewis, making his full debut, provided Andy Ballard with an opening, but the youngster struck his shot across the face of goal.
Danny Wise also went close to opening City's account, but his well-struck shot scraped the bar as it went over.
Tilbury's Callum Ware headed over from Mark Brennan's corner before City took the lead after 21 minutes.
Shaun Wimble dispatched a long ball forward that reached Wise, who slipped past the defender before beating a keeper.
On 34 minutes, the visitors levelled for the first time when the home defence was exposed as Niall Ritchie lobbed oncoming keeper Steve Benbow.
In the second half, Benbow saved a Ritchie strike before the home side got back in front. Wimble was again the provider as his pass was met by Wise, who gave Lewis the chance to fire home on 61 minutes.
City's lead lasted until the 71st minute when a melee in the home goalmouth saw the loose ball fall to Dean Cleaver who netted through a crow- ded area.
Oxford C: Benbow, Ferreira (Byfield 67), Crosby, Ballard, Brown, Marriott, Lee, Shepherd (Baker 80), Lewis, Wise, Wimble. Subs not used: Cruse, McTaggart, Whitehead.
Referee: R Smith (Halesowen).
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