OXFORD City’s seven-match unbeaten run came to an end in a 2-1 defeat at home to Hungerford Town.

Kabongo Tshimanga scored his 21st goal of the season as the hosts got back on level terms in the Vanarama National League South clash.

But Marcus Johnston-Schuster struck what proved to be the match-winner with 13 minutes remaining to earn Hungerford victory.

The defeat saw City begin 2019 by dropping out of the play-off places and they are now a point behind Billericay Town who occupy the final spot.

The sides drew 1-1 on Boxing Day and Mark Jones’s men could have taken the lead on eight minutes, but Bobson Bawling saw his effort hacked off the line.

Josh Ashby was then needed to make a crucial block at the other end to deny Cameron Hargreaves.

Jack Self and Tshimanga fired straight at goalkeeper Michael Luyambula as City pushed for the opener in a goalless first half.

Hungerford broke the deadlock on 50 minutes, when Alfie Whittingham took the ball past goalkeeper Craig King and slotted home.

But their lead only lasted two minutes as Luyambula failed to gather a long-range shot and Tshimanga was on hand to smash in the rebound.

King made a fine save to keep Hungerford at bay on 71 minutes, getting down well to push a Tom Anderson effort wide.

But he could not prevent the visitors making it 2-1 six minutes later when a corner fell to Johnston-Schuster, who rifled home from the edge of the penalty area.

City went in search of an equaliser and Tshimanga was brilliantly denied from point-blank range by Luyambula on 81 minutes.

That was to be their final opportunity as they fell to their first home league defeat since November 13.

Oxford City: King, Jones, Wiltshire, Ashby, Godwin-Malife, Jefford, Nombe (Otudeko 66), Fleet, Tshimanga, Self, Bawling (Fasanmade 78).

Subs not used: Barrett, O’Donoghue, Carter.