OXFORD City were held to a draw despite playing against ten men for 70 minutes against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The visitors were leading through Nana Owusu’s smashing effort when Luke Ruddick received a straight red card against his former side.

But they were unable to make the most of a good spell immediately after the dismissal and Jake Gray’s smart finish levelled the game – although only after Kevin Berkoe appeared to be fouled in the build-up.

Both sides had chances to take the lead in the second half, but the goalkeepers played well to ensure the game finished level.

Despite many divisions being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, the National League programme went ahead as planned – with a significant increase on the gate at the Beveree Stadium.

Kyran Lofthouse fired over from just inside the penalty area in the second minute as City made a bright start.

On the quarter-hour mark they were ahead, as Owusu got the better of Sam Cox out wide near the halfway line, drove into the box and lashed a fierce shot past goalkeeper Dion-Curtis Henry.

Within four minutes their grip on the game tightened, as Ruddick was dismissed for what looked like a stamp on Elliot Benyon.

City pressed to make the most of their numerical advantage and looked dangerous every time they came forward.

Henry smothered an effort from Benyon, leading to a series of three corners for City which included a clearance off the line after Joe Oastler’s firm header was helped on by Tarik Moore-Azille.

But as the half wore on, Borough came back into the game.

Ryan Hill fired wide of Craig King’s left-hand post in twice quick succession, before the equaliser arrived on 40 minutes.

Gray slotted in past King from 12 yards, but City had a case for saying Kevin Berkoe had been fouled in the build-up.

The ten men, playing down the slope, got on top early in the second half.

They forced several set pieces, which saw King save well-struck shots from outside the box by Hill and Cox.

The City stopper also did well to anticipate a chance for Danilo Orsi-Dadomo, who brought a long ball down expertly before seeing his lob saved.

But as the half wore on and spaces began to open up, the visitors threatened again.

Fleet twice forced good saves from Henry, the latter with his legs after Benyon had teed up the midfielder.

In between, the goalkeeper excelled to smuggle a back-post header from Zac McEachran out for a corner.

Hampton though went on to finish the game strongly.

The closest they came was a late flicked header from Sam Deadfield, which King did well to tip over his crossbar.

Hampton & Richmond (4-1-4-1): Henry, Cox, Inman, Ruddick, Farrell, Miller-Rodney, Gray (Muir 72 mins), Deadfield, Ahmidi (Donaldson 26), Hill, Orsi-Dadomo (McAuley 84).

Unused subs: Coleman, Lewthwaite.

Booked: None.

Sent off: Ruddick.

Oxford City (4-1-4-1): King, Jones (Gordon 76), Moore-Azille, Oastler, Berkoe, Ashby, Lofthouse (Wiltshire 55), Fleet, McEachran, Owusu (Fasanmade 87), Benyon.

Unused subs: Wright, George.

Booked: Benyon.

Referee: Wayne Cartmel.

Attendance: 892.