Whyteleafe 2, Oxford City 1 SATURDAY'S clash of the Ryman League's Division 1 FA Cup heroes saw City finish second best as they once again paid the price for a slow start.

So it was Whyteleafe, who face Chester City in their first-round replay tomorrow while City travel to Wycombe Wanderers, who got the morale-booster.

On a damp and uneven surface, City started poorly and although Michael Thorp had a header scrambled off the line, it was a more eager "Leaf" who were in control.

After Lunn had gone close, it was no surprise in the 34th minute when Ahmet's deep cross found Howland who sent a looping header past the helpless Alan Foster.

A fine save by City's keeper denied Howland a second just before half-time, while at the other end, City's new signing, Carl Bartley, sent two powerful strikes over after good work by Justin Lee and Julian Dark.

City were right out of luck in the 55th minute when they had what looked a perfectly-good equaliser from Lee ruled out for a foul by Andy Smith on Rose after the keeper had clearly collided with teammate Golley. It was now City who were calling the tune as Tate Hulbert's volley was just wide and a Matt Hayward header was cleared off the line.

Rose just managed to keep out a powerful low drive from Lee, but with City pushing forward and five minutes left, they went further behind. George collected a long clearance to send a swerving 25-yard drive past a startled Foster.

Richard Peirson notched an injury-time City consolation, his third goal in the last three games.

Oxford City: Foster, Thorp (Smart 45), Dark, Peirson, Hayward, Smith (Wimble 74), Lee, Sweeney, Bartley, Hulbert, Emsden (Davey 74).

Referee: S Rubery.

PLACES on supporters' coaches to tomorrow's FA Cup replay at Wycombe are available by ringing either 01865 875922, 01235 522211 or 01235 848556 between 7-10pm.

Story date: Monday 08 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.