DAVID Oldfield was delighted with Oxford City’s 1-0 win at home to Ebbsfleet United but warned there was elements of the game the Hoops had to improve.

Reece Fleet’s wonder goal just before the half-time break was enough to seal three points for City and send them second and above Ebbsfleet in Vanarama National League South.

Despite the match being won by a moment of individual brilliance, Oldfield was pleased with the collective effort his players put in.

He said: “I’m really pleased with the players, everybody at the club worked their socks off.

“We really had to work hard against a team which was very impressive, very mobile and willing in what they did.

“It was a game where we had to defend and put our bodies on the line, the boys once again showed their character.

“In terms of the result, it’s a very big one for us – it was a collective effort and the praise has to go to the boys.”

Read also: Reece Fleet wonder strike seals win for City against high-flying Ebbsfleet

City had to endure spells without the ball, particularly during the last 20 minutes of the first half and at the end of the game as Ebbsfleet pressed for an equaliser.

Oldfield said keeping possession was something his side had to do better in future.

He said: “We didn’t have as much of the ball and if I’m being critical, there were times when we could’ve kept it better or passed it better.

“It’s a game we have to look back on and review, to be as progressive in possession and show character out of possession.

“We managed to show enough character to get over the line.

“We can do more, we can always do more.

“To come through with a victory and a clean sheet is testimony to the players.

“We’re in a period of games where it’s going to be really tough – Hungerford on Saturday is going to be a really big test for us.”

With five minutes left on the clock, Ebbsfleet’s Tobi Adebayo-Rowling was shown a red card for a headbutt on goalscorer Fleet.

Oldfield said his view of the incident wasn’t the best, but admitted some sort of altercation had taken place.

“It was as far away from us on the bench as it possibly could be, it was in the far corner,” he said.

“There was some altercation certainly – I couldn’t see it clearly, there was quite a few bodies around.

“It was at a time when we were under a huge amount of stress.”

Oldfield also said it was essential City rectified the 4-1 defeat to St Albans in the FA Trophy.

“Let’s not beat about the bush, we didn’t do enough on Saturday, we didn’t show enough of our potential or quality,” he said.