Waltham Forest 2, Oxford City 0: Oxford City went down to another defeat in Ryman League Division 1 North away to Waltham Forest on Saturday.

Two late goals from former Chelsea and Oxford United striker Mark Stein did the damage for the home side.

The visitors looked the more promising in the early stages on a heavy surface that only passed a pitch inspection in the morning. It did little to enhance good football.

The first real chance of the game came from Forest's Dave Field, who brought an excellent save from City keeper Steve Barlow, turning his 20-yard shot round a post for a corner.

From the flag-kick, Field should have done better than head over from a good position.

The second half continued in the same vein with very little to choose between the two well-matched sides and scoring opportunities crea- ted.

City's Chris Harper sent in a powerful strike that Waltham keeper Gavin King was forced to push away, but he lacked support and the opportunity slipped away for the visitors.

Martin Brown then curled a shot over the crossbar from Justin Lee's corner.

It had looked odds-on a goalless draw until Stein, who had largely been ineffective throughout the game, netted through a crowded goalmouth following Arif Yozcu's corner in the 80th minute.

Two minutes later, he scored his second.

Robert Still put over a cross from the right and with City's defence exposed, Stein had a simple chance to score from close in.

Oxford C: Benbow, Cruse, Dark, Antonowicz, Brown, Lee, Ferreira (Prescott 66), Champelovier, Baker, Harper, Crosby. Subs not used: Perkins, Doyle.

Referee: P Yeo (Upminster).