Worthing 2, Oxford City 2

Generous defending by Oxford City twice gifted the home side the lead, but they battled back to earn a share of the spoils in last night's Ryman League Division 1 game

And it was only a goal-line clearance and the controversial rejection of a penalty appeal in the last five minutes which prevented them from celebrating their first league away win of the season.

Worthing started strongly, with Geddes shooting over the bar, and on six minutes, they took the lead when the same man beat Stuart Nelson.

City didn't prove much of a threat in the first half though Craig Farley went close, while at the other end they had Paul Woodhouse to thank for clearing a dangerous cross from Carrington.

Jones went close for the hosts before fine play in the 53rd minute by Chris Fontaine levelled matters.

Receiving the ball 40 yards out, he drifted past two defenders and turned to send a 20-yard left-foot drive high past a helpless Westell.

But four minutes later, City were rocked when a back pass from Julian Dark took a bobble and evaded a despairing Nelson to restore the home team's lead,

John Mitchell had a low drive saved at full length but City were back on terms in the 79th minute when Mitchell rose to head a Woodhouse free kick firmly past Westell in the Worthing goal.

Mitchell then beat the keeper to a good through ball from Dann y Wise, only for Burt to scoop off the line.

But with two minutes left, City were denied a great chance of a winner when Shaun Wimble had his legs taken away in the area with only the keeper to beat, only for the referee to turn down City's appeals for a penalty.

**Oxford City: Nelson, Farley (Ferreira 63), Dark, Smith, Thorp, Fontaine, Woodhouse, Whitehead (Lewis, 73), Arkins (Wise, 68), Mitchell, Wimble. Ref: M Allen.