South League Regional Division: City of Oxford remain deep in relegation trouble after losing their vital home clash against Sunbury 4-2 - in a game ruined by an over-zealous umpire.

Due to numerous injuries and work commitments, City went into the game with Alex Cock playing in a restructured midfield.

This unsettled City and Sunbury went ahead following a rare defensive mistake by Matt Benyon.

The home side regained their composure and a strong run by Chris Hall resulted in Simon Harrison scoring for the third week in succession.

However, Sunbury were back in front before the break after City missed a number of tackles.

Following an animated half-time team talk from skipper Richard Pearson, City started the second half brightly.

But it was the umpire who proved the busiest man in the second half, producing five of the seven yellow cards in this period.

City were reduced to nine men when what looked to be a legitimate tackle resulted in a penalty stroke which was despatched to put the visitors 3-1 ahead.

With Chris Letts battling away, City pulled a goal back through Greg Horne, but Sunbury restored their two-goal lead with a spectacular strike four minutes from time.

Both sides were reduced to ten men in the last minute as Harrison and the Sunbury centre back were dismissed for illegal jostling.