Oxford City 3, Staines Tn 1

Two goals from Steve Arkins within 60 seconds in the first period saw City come from behind to gain a welcome victory over Staines in Ryman League Division 1 last night.

City were anxious to shake off Saturday's disappointing cup exit at Tiverton Town, and Mark Druce went close to opening their account early on, while Staines defender Battrams sliced the ball just over his own bar.

But the home side were rocked on their heels after 20 minutes when Newman poked the ball home after a cross deceived keeper Stuart Nelson.

City recovered well and were level within five minutes after Arkins latched onto David Billington's through ball, before shrugging off a defender and volleying home.

Straight from the kick off, City won the ball back with Arkins smashing a low drive into the far corner after combining well with Craig Farley.

Although Nelson saved well from Talboys, City were in control and after Chris Fontaine had volleyed just over, Arkins brought a good save from Staines keeper Lovett.

In the 50th minute, the Staines keeper, who had a busy night, did well to tip over a shot from John Mitchell before City's Paul Woodhouse had to block a fierce shot from Selby.

The home side twice spurned good chances to increase their lead and Mitchell unselfishly set up Arkins only for his shot to be blocked.

City kept on attacking and with ten minutes left Mitchell scored after Chris Fontaine's shot was charged down.

Only a remarkable save by Lovett to keep out a point blank volley from Danny Wise from another Billington cross denied City a fourth.

**Oxford City: Nelson, Farley (Ferreira 78), Dark, Smith, Thorp, Woodhouse, Fontaine, Whitehead, Druce (Mitchell 25), Arkins (Wise 85), Billington.

Referee: D Buckeridge.