Oxford City 1 (Pond 17)

Paulton Rov 1 (Claridge 61 pen)

Oxford City's uncertain spell continued when they missed out on three points in their Division 1 South & West clash at home to Paulton.

Having taken a first-half lead, City were denied by a penalty from the visitors, as both sides finished with ten men.

Paulton missed an early chance through Peter Sheppard, while City's Darren Pond shot wide from a good position after being set up by Errol Telemaque.

However, Pond made amends in the 17th minute when putting City ahead with a far-post header.

At the end of the first half, Telemaque (pictured) was sent off for retaliation, after he himself had been kicked while on the ground.

In the second half, Mark Bell nearly doubled City's lead, but his good strike was saved at the second attempt by Paulton keeper Dave Dyson.

Just after the hour, Paulton equalised, when James. Saulsbury tripped a forward in the penalty area.

Before the spot-kick could be taken, Paulton's Ricky Hulbert was sent off for dissent. However, his teammate Rob Claridge converted the penalty.

With both teams depleted, it needed a brilliant save by City keeper Steve Smith to keep out Sheppard's header.

In the closing ten minutes, City, had two chances to snatch the points.

First, Michael Lyon struck a post, and then substitute Ashwa Romeo fired across goal from an excellent position.

After three games without a win, City will be hoping to rediscover their form at home to bottom club Newport tomorrow night.

Oxford City: Smith, Saulsbury, Davis (Woodruffe), Gunn, Pond, Telemaque, Malone, Redknap (Jones 84), Lyon, Bell (Romeo 68). Subs not used: Merritt, Rixon.

Referee: A Shilston (Lydney).

Attendance: 191