Arlesey Tn 1, Oxford City 0: Former Thame United striker Wayne Cort struck the decisive blow to send Oxford City slipping to defeat in their Ryman Division 1 game at Hitchin Road on Tuesday night.

Cort scored the only goal of the game in the 11th minute when he beat the otherwise immaculate Steve Benbow to a free kick to net with a header.

City's lack of firepower up front was all too apparent, as they did more than enough to earn a point from the game.

Before Cort scored, Arlesey keeper Martyn Patching had saved a header from Lewis Craker and John Mitchell sent a good effort just over.

It was nearly all City in the first half half and Marvin Samuel got in a vital tackle to deny Danny Wise.

Then Justin Lee set up Wise with only Patching to beat, but the striker's shot was too close to the keeper.

Another chance went begging when Craker's header from Shaun Wimble's free kick sailed past the far post.

After coming on for Mitchell, who had been injured by a late tackle, Mark Simms's first touch nearly set up an equaliser for Wimble.

Benbow's safe hands kept City in the game during the second half with saves from Cort and Jamie Richards, as City were unable to find their earlier fluency.

But the home side had a real let off in the 73rd minute when Craker headed back across goal only for Wise to shoot wide with the equaliser beckoning.

A shot from Richards brought out the best from Benbow, but it was City who were attacking at the final whistle.

Oxford City: Benbow, Cruse (Woodhouse, 87), Dark, Smith, Brown, Craker, Lee, Perna (Charles 66), Mitchell (Simms 35), Wise, Wimble.