Hemel Hempstead 0

Oxford City 1 (Pond 82)

Substitute Darren Pond was Oxford City’s hero as his goal eight minutes from time secured another valuable three points in the Premier Division on Saturday.

City were excellent value for this win, with the scoreline flattering the home side.

City's stand-in keeper Steve Williams did well to smother the threat made by Drew Roberts as the latter closed in on goal early on, while at the other end, Steve Davis for City saw his effort touched away for a corner.

The game was a fairly even contest in the early stages, but gradually City began to get on top.

James Faulkner created a good chance, but his shot was turned away for a corner.

Later in the first half, Faulkner had an even better opportunity, but saw his strike saved by Ian Brown.

In the second half, City continued their dominance, with goalkeeper Brown seeing most of the action.

First he pushed a Michael Lyon effort around a post, then tipped over a header from Faulkner.

City nearly went ahead when Pond’s cross narrowly evaded Craig Faulconbridge, but the visitors weren’t to be denied.

Lyon set up Pond eight minutes from time, and he went through to slip the ball past Brown to hand City their sixth win in seven games.

Oxford City: Williams, Lambert, Ballard, Gunn, Malone, Savage, Lyon, Fisher (Faulconbridge 60), Faulkner (Pond 76), Baird, Davis. Subs not used: Bell, Carbon.

Attendance: 221