Oxford City boss Mike Ford was full of praise for his players after they nearly held on for a replay in the FA Cup first round after a magnificent display at Burton on Sunday.

City had battled back to level at 2-2, only for Ryan Austin to head home the winner for the League Two side three minutes into injury time. The goal came from a free-kick after Andy Ballard was sent off for a second booking.

“It's a choker,” admitted Ford.

“I think from No 1 to 11 and all our substitutes, they were an absolute credit to the football club.

“Back in the dressing room the players are probably disappointed, but they should not be.

“This week, I have had 11 fit players; Mark Bell had just recovered from swine flu and Darren Pond had a late fitness test this morning.

“I thought we took the game to them. I'm not a great believer in just defending the 18-yard box because sooner or later, someone is going to get through.

“It probably was a booking for Andy, but that didn't cause us to lose. You can't blame anyone. It's a real shame, but we have to move on.

“We've come away from home to a League Two side and could have got a result. We were at our best and I have got to give my players ten out of ten for their efforts.”

City chairman Brian Cox added: “I thought we were excellent, tremendous.

“At times, I thought we outplayed them.

“But to go out in the third minute of injury time is hard to take.”