Oxford City 1, Braintree Tn 0: An excellent performance gave Oxford City victory over Ryman League Premier visitors Braintree in the FA Trophy second round at Court Place Farm on Saturday.

Danny WiseCity were particularly impressive in the first half and ran out deserved winners thanks to a Danny Wise goal.

The home side started with a bang as a sweeping move from their own area saw Andy Smith's shot saved by Town keeper Paul Catley.

John Mitchell had a fierce shot charged down and in the 16th minute, another good move found Wise in space, only for Catley to tip his shot away for a corner.

Division 1 North side City were looking more like the Premier Division team and little was seen of the visitors' attack.

City took a deserved lead in the 41st minute when brilliant control by Justin Lee took him past three defenders before setting up Wise, who shot low past Catley.

Straight from the restart, a drive from Lee was just too high, while at the other end, Tommy Noble tested Steve Benbow for the first time with a low shot which had City's keeper at full stretch.

In the 58th minute, Robert Cruse was just unable to get on the end of an inviting cross from Shaun Wimble, and a powerful drive from Lee went just wide.

City went even closer in the 67th minute when Lewis Craker flicked on a corner, but Smith shot across goal.

Towards the end, Braintree began to get into the game and City had to defend several corners.

However, the home side were still dangerous and a low cross from Jamie Charles was cut out by the outstretched leg of Gary Waters, with Mark Simms poised for a City clincher.

In a nervous last five minutes, City had Benbow to thank for a brilliant parry after another corner and then skipper Julian Dark saved the day by clearing Nick Haydon's return off the line.

Oxford C: Benbow, Cruse, Dark, Smith, Brown, Craker, Lee, Perna (Woodhouse 84), Mitchell (Simms 71), Wise (Charles 71), Wimble.

Referee: G Russell.

Attendance: 143.