Oxford City 2 (Malone 7, Dunn 74)

Merthyr Tydfil 2 (Armitage 40, pen 78)

Despite twice leading, Oxford City had to settle for a draw against Premier Division strugglers Merthyr Tydfil. The match got off to a flying start with City goalkeeper Will Puddy pulling off a good save from Tariq Khalili’s well-struck shot in the first two minutes.

Then five minutes later, City took the lead.

Mark Bell’s pass found Liam Malone, who placed a neat shot past the oncoming keeper Andrew Delve.

Most of the play in an open game was contested in midfield with few chances created.

However, five minutes before half-time, Merthyr equalised. Marcus Griffiths’s pass found Scott Armitage unmarked on the edge of the area and he fired home.

In the second half, the dangerous Bell was unfortunate to see his free-kick cannon off a post, while Andy Baird’s penetrating run was halted by a challenge from Jamie Rewbury that earned the Merthyr man a caution.

City regained the lead when Steve Davis’s free-kick was met by Dave Savage, who set up Andy Gunn to score.

The lead was short-lived, as following a melee in front of City’s goal, Merthyr were awarded a penalty for handball.

Armitage fired in his second from the spot to secure the visitors a share of the spoils.

Oxford City: Puddy, Baird, Davis, Savage, Pond, Gunn, Lyon (Janes 70), Malone, Douglas, Emery, Bell (Morris 84). Subs not used: Meade, Moses.

Attendance: 243.