Oxford City 1, Bishop's Stortford 0
A goal from Shaun Wimble plus an astonishing save by Stuart Nelson in the closing seconds clinched City's second victory of the week in Ryman League Division 1 on Saturday.
Paul Lee's men suffered a blow before kick-off when Michael Thorp failed a late fitness test and with Steve Gray injured before the break, it was a makeshift home defence which did well to keep a clean sheet.
Visiting keeper Desborough tipped over a Craig Farley early effort, and in the 35th minute, a 40-yard lob from Wimble beat the keeper but was inches over.
City went ahead five minutes later from a Whitehead free kick, John Mitchell setting up Wimble to score from close range. The home side opened the second half well and a goalbound drive by Stuart Riddle glanced off a defender for a corner.
In the 65th minute, the influential Mark Druce released Mitchell whose shot struck a post.
With skipper Julian Dark in fine form, keeper Nelson's first action was to save well from Paul in the 80th minute, although City had a let-off when Hayes's shot from six yards hit Farley and Chris Organ headed off the line.
Danny Wise headed wide of a gaping goal before two minutes from time, and, with seconds left, City had Nelson to thank when he pulled off a great save low to his left to keep out what looked like a certain equaliser from Southam.
Oxford C: Nelson, Farley, Dark, Gray (Ferreira 41), Riddle (Wise 67), Organ, Lewis, Whitehead, Druce, Mitchell, Wimble. Sub not used: Thorp.
Referee: E Mackerell.
Attendance: 161.
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