OXFORD City suffered a heavy bank holiday defeat on the road as they slipped to second from bottom in the Vanarama National League North table.

The Hoops actually started brighter at Kidderminster Harriers, with Andre Burley having a shot blocked from just inside the box.

At the other end, Kai McKenzie-Lyle tipped an Ashley Hemmings effort over the crossbar.

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The Hoops then conceded twice in quick succession, as Ben Beresford took advantage of a melee in the box from a free kick on the left, and stroked home for the opener.

Just before the half hour mark, the Harriers doubled their lead when Maz Kouhyar crossed for Hemmings, who finished with a well-placed header from 12 yards out.

Two minutes into first half injury time, McKenzie-Lyle and Kouhyar went into a tackle 20 yards from goal, with the ball flying past the stranded Hoops goalkeeper.

The Hoops were reduced to 10 men eight minutes into the second period, when Cole Kpekawa hauled down Seb Thompson.

City dug deep and defended well, with McKenzie-Lyle making a couple of good saves when the Harriers did threaten.

Thompson’s swerving, dipping free kick with four minutes to go saw the Harriers add a fourth goal.

The Hoops host Chorley at Court Place Farm on Saturday, looking for their first win of the season, after two draws and three defeats.