Oxford City recovered from a poor start to come within three minutes for victory, in Saturday’s British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division game against Merthyr Tydfil, but had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

City trailed after 11 minutes due to a gift goal.

A back pass from Andy Ballard to Ryan Harrison saw City's keeper dwell on the ball.

When he eventually tried to clear, his kick was charged down by Mike Jones who tapped into an empty net.

City never looked like replying in a lacklustre firast half.

The visitors showed a lot more urgency after the break, and equalised after 62 minutes.

A well-rehearsed Andy Ballard long throw found substitute Alex Fisher on the edge of the area and he sent a well-directed header beyond the reach of home keeper Ryan Griffiths.

City took the lead 11 minutes later when Fisher's cross came back off a defender to fellow substitute Craig Faulconbridge, who netted.

It was still anybody's game as City were eager to retain their lead.

But they were undone when they failed to clear their lines and allowed Gareth Cullimore to fire home three minutes from time for a share of the spoils.

City might still have snatched a winner as a poweful shot from Dave Savage was turned round by Griffiths to keep his side on terms.

Oxford City: Harrison, Lambert, Ballard, Gunn, Pond, Baird, Lyon, (Fisher 46) Savage, Faulkner, (Faulconbridge 46), Malone, Bell, (Benjamin 82) Subs not used: R Brooks, Williams.

Referee: M Pottage (Wincanton).

VAttendance: 274.