Oxford City 3 (Steele 1, 55, Savage 73)

Cirencester Tn 3 (Tomkins 44, 59, Hoskin 45)

Oxford City made a dream start, but were left contemplating what might have been as they were held to a draw by Cirencester Town in the Premier Division on Saturday.

Mike Ford’s side created enough chances to put the game beyond doubt, but had to settle for a share of the points.

The home side stormed into a first-minute lead as Michael Lyon flicked on Felipe Barcelos’s centre for Lee Steele, unmarked at the far post, to plant the ball firmly in the net.

City continued to dominate, Barcelos lifting a shot over the bar, while they also had a penalty appeal waved way.

In a rare foray into the City half, the visitors’ Lyndon Tomkins headed wide, while Ashley Edenborough forced a smart save from debutant keeper Joe White.

But Cirencester struck a double blow just before the break.

First Tomkins levelled when he dived to meet a long Tom Etheridge throw, then seconds later, Rob Hoskin fired the visitors in front.

After the break, City were soon back on level terms as Barcelos fed Marvin Martin on the left.

Martin’s cross was flicked past Thomas by the head of Steele.

But five minutes later, the visitors regained the lead, as Tomkins headed home a James Mortimer-Jones corner.

As City fought back, Cirencester keeper Nick Thomas deflected Barcelos’s attempt to Steele, but his shot hit the side netting.

Barcelos then saw his header hit the bar, before City levelled.

Andy Ballard was fouled near the edge of the box and Dave Savage curled a free-kick through the wall beyond Thomas.

City created a number of chances in the final ten minutes, but Cirencester held on.

Oxford City: White, McIllwain (Peirson 32), Blossom, Clarke, Ballard, Malone, Lyon, Savage, Barcelos, Steele, Martin. Subs not used: Hughes, Anderson, Isaac.

Attendance: 175.