OXFORD City made it back-to-back home wins for the first time since December when beating Hemel Hempstead Town 2-1 on Saturday.

Bobson Bawling and Kabongo Tshimanga scored as the side came from behind to guarantee another season in the second tier of non-league football.

The Vanarama National League South fixture played host to an intriguing match-up between City boss Mark Jones and his former No 2 Joe Deeney, who became Hemel’s manager in November.

The home side started well, with Tshimanga and Kyran Wiltshire testing goalkeeper Laurie Walker.

Despite City’s dominance, Hemel broke the deadlock on 43 minutes when Sanchez Watt headed a Kavan Cotter cross against a post and Arel Amu swept home the loose ball.

But the hosts were not behind for long and levelled on the brink of half-time as Bawling fired home after Brandon Thomas-Asante’s effort had been blocked.

Former City keeper Walker was kept busy in the second period, denying Josh Ashby, while Thomas-Asante hit a post.

The hosts made it 2-1 on 58 minutes when Tshimanga latched on to a fine through ball from Tarik Moore-Azille before rifling into the roof of the net.

City looked to add to their tally, with Thomas-Asante and Reece Fleet going close.

Hemel resorted to long balls as they searched for a way back into the game, but the home side more than held firm to claim victory.

Oxford City: King, Self, Moore-Azille, Oastler, Jones, Fleet, Ashby, Wiltshire (Fasanmade 84), Thomas-Asante, Bawling, Tshimanga.

Subs not used: Caro, James, O’Donoghue, Case.