Oxford City dropped valuable points in the Evo-Stik Southern Keague Premier Division title race when they could only draw 0-0 at home to mid-table Hitchin.

Despite tomorrow’s FA Cupfirst-round replay at home to Redbridge, City boss Mike Ford still played his strongest possible side, but they could not deliver the goods against a side short of form.

Opportunities were few and far between, as the sides cancelled each other out.

The best chance of the first half fell to Hitchin’s Callum Donnelly, who fired just wide from close in.

For City, Michael Lyon also drove wide after good work from Lee Steele.

In the second period, Declan Benjamin’s teasing centre caused problems.

At the other end, home keeper Keith McCloughlin made decent saves from Luke Gregson’s shot and John Frendo’s free kick.

A good header from City’s Adam Learoyd was saved as the match petered out.

Oxford City: McCloughlin, Martin, Learoyd, Fleet (Heapy 45), Pond, Blossom, Lyon, Ben-jamin (Basham 62), Barcelos (Fisher 46), Ste-ele, Ashton. Sub not used: Clark.

Attendance: 241.