Oxford City paid the price for a slow start as they crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Guiseley in Vanarama Conference North on Saturday.

Own goals from Paul Stonehouse and Alejandro-Adrian Santiago capped a miserable afternoon for Justin Merritt’s men who slipped to fifth in the table as a result.

Adam Boyes had already put the home side two goals ahead with a brace early in the game and City were unable to find a way to force themselves into contention.

It had all looked so positive for City in the early stages as they started impressively, with the lively Claudio Hoban causing plenty of problems.

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However, as the visitors began to surrender possession cheaply, Guiseley gained a foothold and soon made the breakthrough, taking the lead when Boyes headed in Ben Parker’s dangerous curling cross.

He almost netted a second soon after, getting the wrong side of the defence before seeing his effort deflected onto a post by the ankle of goalkeeper Mark Scott.

But just two minutes later he did double the advantage, again beating the offside trap before firing past Scott.

Josh Wilson then missed an open goal for the hosts, shooting over from close range, but made amends almost immediately as his dangerous ball across was turned in by Stonehouse for the third.

City must have known it wasn’t their day shortly after the restart as their best chance went begging, Hob-an’s glorious effort coming back off a post to Kynan Isaac, who struck the bar.

The second rebound fell to substitute Tom Winters with the goal gaping, but he snatched at it and his effort sailed harmlessly wide of .

The home side had a number of chances to extend their lead, but they finally completed the scoring 12 minutes from time.

Santiago put the final touches on an afternoon to forget for City, firing into his own net from Oli Johnson’s free-kick.

Oxford City: Scott, Benjamin, Stonehouse (Winters HT), Pond, Lapoujade, Santiago, Hoban (Mullings 63), Del Alamo, Yussuf, Rodriguez, Isaac (Barcelos 63). Subs not used: Wilson, Green.

Ref: N Sharp.

Attendance: 486.

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