Oxford City strengthened their challenge at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division table with an important 2-0 win over promotion rivals Chesham United on Saturday.

A first-half penalty from Steve Basham and an injury – time second goal from substitute Felipe Barcelos consolidated their hold on third position.

Chesham started strongly, Steve Wales firing over, while James Potton’s run on goal was blocked by City captain Wayne Blossom.

City controlled most of the play, which took place in midfield, and took the lead after 36 minutes.

Basham, entering the area from the left, was taken down by John Kyriacou for an obvious penalty.

Taking the spot-kick himself, Basham gave keeper Shane Gore no chance.

Just before half-time, City’s Liam Malone was unlucky to see his well-driven shot rebound off a post and bounce clear.

After the break, Chesham had a couple of chances through Simon Thomas, who was denied by City keeper Jason Mooney and then was unlucky to strike the bar.

City were generally in charge, and with Chesham desperate for an equaliser, the hosts made sure with a breakaway goal in the third minute of injury time.

After defending a corner, City got the ball away to Michael Lyon, who made ground down the right before crossing to Barcelos.

With the keeper still retreating to his position, it was a simple task for the Spanish striker to secure the points.

Oxford City: Mooney, Clarke, Blossom, Ballard, Pond, Willmott, Benjamin (Lyon 71), Malone, Basham (Learoyd 85), Woodley (Barcelos 78), Isaac. Subs not used: Bell, Martin.

Attendance: 283.