Northwood 2, Oxford City 1: Oxford City were unlucky not to topple Ryman Division 1 North leaders Northwood, when only a succession of near misses, especially late on, let them off the hook on Saturday.

After early City pressure, the visitors had a let-off in the 12th minute when a 30-yard piledriver from Adam Durrant struck a post.

City were denied the lead when Andy Smith charged down a clearance, only to be foiled by an offside flag, but they went ahead in the 17th minute.

A long throw by Justin Lee was headed on by Lewis Craker for Mark Simms to get the final touch.

As Northwood responded, only two outstanding saves by Steve Benbow kept City ahead. In quick succession, he saved a point-blank header from Scott Fitzgerald, and then plunged to his left to keep out a powerful low drive from Chris Gell.

Robert Cruse had an early second-half shot well-saved by Rob Bullwant and City almost made it 2-0 when Stuart Lewis shook off two defenders, only for his shot to graze the bar.

But, out of the blue, Northwood levelled in the 55th minute, Fitzgerald getting in behind City's defence to head his 21st goal of the season.

City were still looking dangerous and after Lewis had gone close, a great volley from Danny Wise beat Bullwant, but flew just past the far post.

With ten minutes left, City gave away a silly corner which was cleared only as far as Durrant, whose 25-yard drive flew past an unsighted Benbow.

There was to be no justice for City when Shaun Wimble and then Lee opened up the home defence, only for Wise to shoot agonisingly wide.

Then, right on the whistle, Northwood escaped again when Danny Butler scooped a low cross from Jamie Charles over his own bar from inside the six-yard box.

Oxford C: Benbow, Cruse, Dark, Smith, Brown, Craker, Lee, Perna (Wise 60), Lewis, Simms (Charles 85), Wimble. Sub not used: Hayward.

Referee: S Fay.