Jamie Cook was the two-goal as Oxford City recorded their first Blue Square Bet North win for nearly two months on Saturday with a 2-1 success at Gainsborough Trinity.

After a run of four defeats andd a draw since their previous win against Workington on February 9, City were casting anxious glances towards the relegation zone.

But Mike Ford’s side banished those concerns with a welcome three points at Gainsbrough.

Following a good block by City keeper Nick Townsend to deny Mark Jones, the visitors took the lead in the 11th minute.

A long clearance from Townsend went deep into the opponents’ half where it was collected by Felipe Barcelos.

He in turn found Cook, who swivelled and shot just net inside the near post. City competed well against a side who were hopeful of making the play-offs. Andy Ballard headed wide from Cook’s corner, while at the other end, Mark Jones went close from Dominic Roma’s cross. City doubled their lead in the 37th minute when from another clearance, Cook won a challenge with Craig Nelthorpe and went on to fire home.

Early in the second half, Chris Willmott headed just over from Cook’s corner. Gainsborough responded and Terry Hawridge clipped the outside of a post and then tested Townsend with a strong shot.

Former Oxford United winger Nelthorpe worked his way past several defenders, but shot wide when clear.

City had to withstand some late pressure as the home side tried to get something from the game. Gainsborough did reduce the arrears in stoppage time, when Paul Connor headed home from a centre by Roma.

But it could not prevent relieved City celebrating a long-awaited victory.

Oxford City: Townsend, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Ballard, Gunn, (Learoyd, 50) Willmott, Malone, McNish (Stanley 45), Barcelos, Cook, (Holgate 63), Pond. Subs not used: Bell, Mulvany.

Attendance: 446.

Oxford City, who suffered no injuries against Gainsborough are expected to name the same squad for tonight’s match away to Bradford Park Avenue.

It’s a busy week for City, who host Bradford PA in nthe return match on Wednesday before hosting another Yorkshire side, Harrogate Town, on Saturday