Bedford Tn 0

Oxford City 1 (Malone 57)

Liam Malone’s second-half strike gave Oxford City a much-needed win in the Premier Division at Bedford on Saturday – and lifted them out of the drop zone.

City’s captain tucked his shot home in the 57th minute after Ashley Kington’s drive rebounded to him off a defender.

City keeper Jakub Jesion-kowski then made a good block to deny Jermaine Ivy, who then fluffed another chance after receiving from Mark Duckett.

But apart from those two opportunities, City were untroubled as they secured their second away league win of the season – and just their fourth in total.

The victory sees them leapfrog Oxfordshire rivals Didcot Town, who drop into the relegation zone.

Neither side had been able to stamp their authority on the game in the first half when the action was concentrated in midfield.

In the rare sorties on goal, City’s Wayne Blossom fired just over following James Clarke’s free-kick, while Gavin Hoyte headed over from a Jamie Cole corner.

Clarke then turned Craig Daniel’s cross behind when Bedford threatened.

But Malone broke the deadlock after the break to give City a precious win.

Oxford City: Jesionkowski. Clarke, Ballard, Savage, McIlwain, Blossom, Faulkner, Malone, Lyon (Hughes 84), Barcelos, Kington (Dunn 78). Sub not used: Davis.

Referee: G R Russell (Northampton).

Attendance: 220.