ROSS Jenkins began his second stint as the permanent Oxford City boss with an end-to-end defeat in the Emirates FA Cup.
Jenkins was reappointed manager on Friday, replacing the sacked Sam Cox, just 135 days after leaving the club.
The Hoops took an early lead through Alfie Potter, but visitors Gosport Borough, who play in the Southern League Premier South, moved 3-1 in front during an eight-minute spell early in the second half.
Jayden Carbon pulled a goal back with 18 minutes to go, but the Hoops couldn’t find a leveller in the FA Cup third qualifying round tie.
READ ALSO: Key talking points as steely U’s earn point against Burnley
READ AGAIN: Hoops sack manager as former boss makes sensational return
Potter’s opener came when a patient passing move resulted in Josh Ashby sliding the ball across the face of goal for the midfielder, who finished underneath Ryan Gosney.
The Hoops pushed on, as Zac McEachran had a half-volley saved by Gosney, while Potter was denied when the goalkeeper rushed out and smothered the ball.
Borough then took control in the second period, as Asher Yearwood ran in behind to level the tie after 54 minutes, before a brace from skipper Dan Wooden.
A long ball down the line reached Wooden, whose left-footed rocket from a tight angle beat Rylee Mitchell, and then another forward ball got Wooden in, and he produced a first-time finish.
Carbon restored hope for the Hoops when he turned in a Lewis Coyle cross, but the home side couldn’t find an equaliser.
The focus for Jenkins and City will now turn to climbing out of the Vanarama National League North relegation places.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here