OXFORD City’s hopes of a rare win were dashed when Concord Rangers scored a late equaliser in their Vanarama National League South match at Marsh Lane on Saturday, writes RYAN BRATLEY.

The relegation battle ended in a turgid 1-1 draw, but for a time it looked as though City would secure all three points after Rob Sinclair put them ahead.

But they could also have lost as Oxford United loanee Jack Stevens made an exceptional last-minute save which capped a fine display from the goalkeeper.

A drab opening 45 minutes was punctuated only by half-chances.

Kyron Farrell’s powerful effort from range proved the best of a bad bunch, forcing a smart save from Stevens, while City’s neat passing failed to create any clear-cut chances.

City boss Mark Jones made two changes at half time and these looked to have had the desired effect as they took the lead on the hour.

Sinclair rode a challenge in the middle of the park, playing a one-two with Zac McEachran before finishing cleanly from six yards.

McEachran continued to terrorise the visiting defence, beating defenders for fun but struggling to find a way past Louis Wells in the Concord goal.

The visitors, meanwhile, continued trying their luck from range – Femi Akinwande seeing his low, drilled effort tipped around a post in the 70th minute.

Ten minutes later, substitute Adam Topley produced an even better effort on the volley which Stevens spectacularly tipped over the bar.

The introduction of Horatio Hirst signalled Jones’ intent to consolidate the lead as the hosts still looked to be on top of their opponents.

The pressure, however, only intensified as the game wore on and Concord levelled with five minutes left, Amos Nasha pouncing on a loose ball for an easy tap-in.

They should have gone on to win the game as Ben Greenhalgh was put clean through in stoppage time but an exceptional stop from Stevens ensured the points were shared.

Oxford City: Stevens, Welch-Hayes, Navarro (Grant HT), Poku, Henderson, Oastler, McEachran, Fofana, Paterson (Hirst 81), Jones (Pearce HT), Sinclair. Subs not used: Tutton.