Oxford City gave Vanarama National League South leaders Wealdstone a real scare on Saturday.
But ultimately a goal seven minutes from time – just seconds after Joe Oastler had seen a shot cleared off the line – proved the difference as the hosts ran out 1-0 winners.
Wealdstone came into the match on a run of seven consecutive wins in which they had averaged almost three goals a game, but struggled to find a way past City’s back line.
Neither goalkeeper was tested until the 20th minute when Josh Ashby’s shot drew an excellent save from Aston Oxborough.
The hosts struggled to find their rhythm in the opening period, but started the second half well, forcing City loanee Harry Isted into a fine double save to deny Damien Lewis.
Wealdstone felt they should have been awarded a penalty on 72 minutes, the resulting melee seeing players from both sides booked.
City were more than holding their own and went close when Craig Fasanmade’s cross just eluded Stefan Brown.
They went even closer when an Oastler header beat Oxborough, but was hacked off the line.
And the hosts compounded City’s frustration when they raced up the other end and Danny Green’s effort on goal forced Isted into an excellent save.
But from the resulting corner Michee Efete bundled home what proved the winner.
Oxford City: Isted, Jones, Jefford, Ashby, Oastler, Wright, Brown, McEachran, Self, Fasanmade, Tapp.
Subs not used: Moore-Azille, Barrett, R King, Hawkins.
Attendance: 1,102.
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