Oxford City battled their way through a storm and a brave challenge from Hadley to book their place in the next round of the ISUZU FA Trophy with a 2-1 win at the MGroup Stadium this afternoon.

Leading after just 40 seconds through Zac McEachran, The Hoops allowed their lower league visitors back into the tie when Josh Alfano levelled from the spot early in the second half. However, City showed fortitude and commitment and an Andrews goal was enough to see them safely through to Monday afternoon's draw.

With not even a minute on the clock City were ahead when the irrepressible McEachran carried the ball forward then casually clipped the ball over stranded Hadley keeper Charlie Taylor from 25 yards.

That meant that Hadley had to chase the game, playing into the face of Storm Darragh, and they increasingly gained ground without truly getting a sight at Kai McKenzie-Lyle’s goal.

When they did threaten after 17 minutes, the vigilant Aaron Drewe mopped up the danger and City really should have killed the tie off moments later when another slick passing move gave Corie Andrews a clear run at goal until the sliding Taylor closed him down.

Taylor made a decent save from Tom Scott after half an hour. Josh Ashby rattled the bar from 20 yards on 33, but the Hadley threat was true and City were having to man the barricades at times

That turned into an equaliser five minutes after the break when Jordan Edwards touched the ball past Phil Croker and went head over heels when toe to toe, giving ref Joe Woolmer an easy decision and allowing Alfano to send McKenzie-Lyle the wrong way and level at 1-1.

City had strolled after the early goal when they should have accelerated and the second half became a war of attrition as the storm grew and the wind swirled around the MGroup Stadium.

Credit to both teams for persevering and on 81 City finally found a way to goal to end Hadley's brave challenge as Louis Walsh powered to the line, cut the ball back, and Andrews netted from close range

A good cup tie and our best wishes to Hadley, but City  had bought a ticket to the world and come back again.

Let's see where this FA Trophy adventure takes us next...

CITY

McKenzie-Lyle, Drewe (Ezennolim 61), Ashby, Jones, Coyle, Fleet, McEachran, Andrews, Scott (Parker 77), Croker (Burley 61), Carbon (Walsh 61)

SUBS

Harvey, Potter, Roddy

Att: 324

Report by Chris Williams, pictures by Simon Godfrey