Michael Alexis scored the winner as Blue Square Bet South new boys Oxford City got their pre-season friendly programme off to a perfect start with a 1-0 victory at Banbury United on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, City started the second period the stronger and their dominance was rewarded when they took the lead on 50 minutes.

Alexis, who last season had a spell at Hemel Hempstead Town, saw his long-range effort fly past Matt Finlay in the Banbury goal from 20 yards out.

Banbury fought their way back into the game, but they never seriously tested the City goalkeeper Dan Platt.

Oxford City Nomads drew 2-2 against Carterton on the 3G pitch.

Having fallen behind early on, Nomads held a 2-1 lead for much of the game before a late leveller from the visitors.

Division 1 South & West side North Leigh fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 at Hellenic League Premier Division Witney Town.

Witney took the lead on 15 minutes when Jemain Ferreira’s cross was put away by new signing Conor McDonagh. Debutant Ryan Brooks doubled their lead on 27 minutes following good work from fellow new signing Nick Thorne.

After the break, North Leigh came out fired up and clawed one back on the hour when John Else fired home from 30 yards.

Three minutes later, Else equalised from close range for his second.

And with 60 seconds left on the clock, John Mills scored the winner after latching onto a Michael Hopkins cross.

The game was preceded by a minute’s silence for Witney Royals player Paul Thompson, who died last week.