Oxford City came from behind to cruise to their first win in four Blue Square Bet North games with a comfortable 3-1 victory over relegated Droylsden, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

City found themselves a goal down early on when Luke Gallagher spotted goalkeeper Juan Martin off his line and unleashed an unstoppable 35-yard shot which flew into the corner of the net.

The hosts were good value for their lead, dominating possession and leaving their counterparts chasing shadows.

But City dug in and got themselves back into the match with a 34th-minute equaliser.

Droylsden goalkeeper Dale Latham was caught in no-man’s land when a simple through ball beat the defence to set Jamie Cook free, and he deftly lobbed the ball over the head of the stranded keeper and into the net.

Just moments later, City were in front when Steve Basham took advantage of sloppy defending to escape his man and, after exchanging passes with Cook, coolly slotted home.

City extended their lead in the second half when Felipe Barcelos capitalised on a catastrophic defensive error that presented the striker with a golden opportunity which he duly took, firing past the unguarded goalkeeper.

That came just minutes after Droylsden’s best chance to level, Martin palming the ball behind after a well-worked free-kick routine allowed Stefan Cox a shot at goal.

The resulting corner was inches away from bringing the hosts level again, clipping off a heel and striking the top of the bar.

Barcelos could have added gloss to the scoreline as he spurned several golden opportunities late in the game, first striking straight at the keeper when one-on-one and then firing over from a similar position.

But there was never any danger of those missed chances proving costly as City comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to secure another impressive away win.

Oxford City: Martin, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Malone, Learoyd, Willmott, McNish (Bell HT), Pond, Basham (Barcelos HT), Cook (Stanley 69), McEachran. Subs not used: Gunn, Joyce.

Referee: L Metcalfe.

Attendance: 166.