Oxford City 1, H Hempstead Tn 2: Oxford City lost out to a lively Hemel Hempstead in last night's Ryman League Division 1 North encounter.

In an entertaining game, City keeper Steve Benbow was called into action first, when James Bent's shot was well saved.

In the 18th minute, City saw Nick Leach head into his own net, but the home side's joy was shortlived as the referee disallowed it for offside.

A lapse of conentration two minutes after the break saw City fall behind when Hammatt lashed home past Benbow, and they had scarcely recovered when the same player headed in a long cross from Daniel Brathwaite for his second three minutes later.

Four minutes from time, City reduced the arrears when keeper Martin Peat mis-handled a cross into his own net.

Oxford C: Benbow, Cruse, Smillie (Wise 70), Antonowicz, Brown, Shepherd, Chamepover, Lewis (Hamp 59), Ferreira, Harper, Crosby. Subs (not used): Prescott, Whitehead, Dark.