OXFORD City came away empty-handed following a 2-0 defeat to third-placed Taunton Town in Division 1 South & West on Saturday.

The visitors trailed after just three minutes. Lee Farrow's weak clearance fell to Matt Beadle who promptly volleyed back over the stranded keeper, putting City immediately on the back foot.

Sonyo Da Mata had a decent opportunity to increase the score for the home side, but put his effort wide from a good position.

City were finding it hard to play constructive football on a bumpy surface against Taunton's more direct style of play .

After 33 minutes a harsh penalty decision was given for an alleged handball against City's Lewis Craker, Beadle putting the spot-kick away for his second of the game.

In the second half, City gave an improved display, but were unable to create few chances.

Several decisions bewildered the visitors, who were denied a penalty of their own when Billy Beechers's run was brought to a halt by a defender's challenge, when closing in on goal.

Danny Keen might have reduced the arrears late on, but put his shot wide.

Oxford City: Farrow, Durrant, Steedman (Rendell 47), Takriti, Craker, Ford, Jones, Malone, Beechers, Spence, Burnley (Keen 69). Subs not used: Stewart, Lane.