Oxford City 2, Hastings Tn 0

By NIALL JEGER TWO superb second-half goals lifted this match out of the doldrums as City booked their place in the second round of the FA Trophy.

After a lacklustre first half, a tedious bore draw seemed to be the only outcome. But seven minutes into the second half, City's Terry Morrisey picked out Jason Davy on the wing.

The nippy striker beat his man before delivering a superb cross that Shaun Wimble slammed home on the volley from 18 yards.

City's second came against the run of play in the 77th minute and was a great individual effort. Dwaine Strong chased a long ball from Justin Lee, rounded his marker and delivered a sensational lob over the advancing keeper into the back of the net.

And Davy almost had his moment of glory with a spectacular overhead kick that forced a terrific reflex save from Rob Willey soon after.

This was the first competitive match ever between the two teams. But, despite the victory, City manager Paul Lee wasn't happy, saying: "It was disappointing. We didn't play well at all. We've performed a lot better than this before and lost." That first half was a sombre affair and neither keeper was seriously tested. However, Hastings, who have been defeated only once in the Dr Martens League this term, could have gone ahead in the 25th minute but Morrisey cleared off the line after Terry White sneaked in a shot from the tightest of angles.

City didn't threaten until after the break but the match was turning into a proper battle of Hastings, with four yellow cards in the first half alone.

City's Andy Smith, Richard Peirson and Davy went into the book, while 18-year-old Strong was also needlessly cautioned, his fifth yellow of the season, which means he is just two cards away from suspension.

City remain on the Wembley trail in this competition but will have to up the tempo next Saturday when Salisbury visit in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Oxford City: Foster, Morrisey (Smart 75), Dark, Peirson, Hayward, Sweeney, Lee, Smith, Strong (Whitehead 81), Davy, Wimble.

Referee: G Williamson (Theale).

Attendance: 132.

Story date: Monday 11 October

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