Oxford City saw their slim hopes of winning the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division title virtually disappear as they were held to a 1-1 draw by strugglers Redditch on Saturday.

Mike Ford’s side now need to win two of their remaining four fixtures to confirm a place in the play-offs.

City, who were without the services of suspended skipper Wayne Blossom and injured striker Steve Basham, started well.

And their early pressure paid off when they went ahead.

Andy Ballard’s long ball forward found defender Chris Wilmott who headed over Dean Coleman in the Redditch goal.

However, the visitors were rocked minutes later when the hosts equalised.

Former City striker JImmy Deabill got above the defence before heading Tom Warner’s cross past keeper Jason Mooney.

Winger Michael Lyon then fired over the bar from another Ballard cross, before Redditch defender Jamie Grimes scrambled Declan Benjamin’s well-struck shot off the line.

In the second half, striker Felipe Barcelos made space for himself, only to shoot wide, before Ballard headed Marvin Martin’s free-kick past an upright when he should have done better.

Benjamin went close, before Deabill had a golden chance to give Redditch the lead, but failed to convert Aaron Stringfellow’s cross.

City pushed for the winner, but Mark Bell’s free-kick went straight at Coleman as Redditch held on for a vital point.

Oxford City: Mooney, Learoyd, Isaac, Ballard, Pond (Skendi 39), Willmott (Woodley h-t, Benjamin, Clarke, Barcelos (Bell 71), Lyon, Martin. Sub not used: McCloughlin.

Attendance: 251.