OXFORD City’s winless run is now five games in all competitions after they were beaten 2-1 at strugglers Hayes & Yeading United, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

City had to battle with the conditions as much as with their Vanarama National League South opponents on a boggy Maidenhead pitch.

But they took control early on after Bradley Bubb fired them into the lead.

The second period was a different story though, with Elliot Benyon levelling ten minutes into the half and substitute Ismael Ehui heading home a late winner.

A downpour shortly before kick-off left the playing surface completely sodden, with puddles forming in areas of the pitch.

But City were still able to play their expansive passing game in patches and took the lead after Matt Whichelow excellently rounded his man and picked out Bubb, who fired into the top corner.

Whichelow was again involved in City’s best move, exchanging passes with Kynan Isaac before teeing up Reece Fleet, whose tame shot was well saved.

However, there were danger signs at the other end, with Jordan Brown slicing an effort just wide after poor defending had given him a clear sight of goal.

And their lead was preserved right on the stroke of half-time when Ashley Lodge put Charlie Kennedy clean through, but his low effort was saved by the foot of goalkeeper Laurie Walker.

But the City custodian was finally beaten on 55 minutes when Brown’s through ball held up in the mud, catching Lee Henderson off-guard and allowing Benyon to sweep home.

Luke Williams could have put United in front when he raced through, but Walker was again quick to come off his line and make the block.

City should have won the game in the 86th minute after Bubb’s shot was blocked by the keeper, falling to substitute Conor McDonagh, who somehow missed the target with the goal gaping.

And they were made to pay just two minutes later when Ehui leapt into the air to nod Benyon’s cross into the far corner, condemning City to a third defeat in five.

Oxford City: Walker, Bevans, Arzamendi, Santiago (Benjamin HT), Henderson,Lafuente, Jackson (McDonagh 85), Fleet, Bubb (Roberts 74), Whichelow, Isaac. Subs not used: King, Pifarré.

Attendance: 152.