Oxford City 3 (McIlwain 13, Steele 53, Kington 90+2)

Hemel Hempstead 0

At last! Oxford City secured their first home Premier Division win of the season on Saturday – and it came in convincing fashion.

A first-half goal by Craig McIlwain, back from injury, set City on the way to a commanding 3-0 victory over mid-table opponents Hemel.

Returning striker Lee Steele scored just after half-time and the victory was wrapped up by Ashley Kington’s goal deep into injury time.

The victory, although leaving City in the drop zone, gives them bright hope for the ftuture. City made a bright start andMcIwainshould have done better when he put a soft header into Hemel keeper Sean Thomas’s hands. But he soon made amends In the 13th minute, Andy Ballard put over a telling cross, forcing Ryan Parsons to concede a corner.

From the flag kick by Kington, McIwain gave Thomas no chance with a powerful header to put City ahead.

Kington was then unlucky to see his well-driven shot strike the upright after being set up by Liam Malone.

Steele went close to making it 2-0 at the end of the half, but he made no mistake in the 53rd minute, as he volleyed home another Kington corner.

The subdued visitors never really threatened City’s new keeper Jakub Jesionkowski, who was making his first appearance on loan from Swindon Town.

City always looked capable of getting a third goal. And it came two minutes into stoppage time as Kington let fly from 18 yards, giving Thomas no chance and completing a much-needed win.

Oxford City: Jesionkowski, Clarke, Ballard, Savage, McIlwain, Blossom, Lyon (Janes 64), Malone, Pritchard, Steele (Faulkner 81) Kington. Subs not used: Ashton, Barcelos, White.

Attendance: 157.