Substitute Mark Bell hit the last-minute winner as Oxford City kept up the pressure on second-placed rivals Didcot Town with a hard-fought win at Uxbridge yesterday.

In the early stages, neither side dominated the proceedings, with the keepers rarely troubled.

The best chance for City came when Jermaine McSporran broke clear, but his effort went past the far post.

With 33 minutes gone, City were awarded a penalty when Elliott Braithwaite bundled over McSporran in the area.

From the spot-kick, Jon Gardner made no mistake.

At the start of the second half, McSporran had a couple of opportunities, but failed to add to the score.

On 49 minutes, Uxbridge equalised when David Warner converted a cross from the left and after 68 minutes, they went ahead when Mark Nicholls was allowed to score with ease.

This failed to dampen City's spirits and they pulled level in the 74th minute when the home defence failed to cut out a centre from James Saulsbury.

The loose ball fell to McSporran, who scored from the tightest of angles.

Playing stoppage time, City got the winning goal as keeper Rob Bullivant missed McSporran's cross and substitute Mark Bell scored from close in.

Oxford City: Smith, Saulsbury, Woodruffe (Bell 85), Gunn, Pond, Avery, Gardner (Davis 69), Malone, McSporran, Redknap, Anya (Jones 50). Subs not used: Stewart, Williams.

Referee: R Jaye.

Attendance: 148.

On Saturday, Oxford City travel to Newport IOW.