Both teams contributed to an entertaining battle but neither really tested either goalkeeper.

Ross Jenkins made one change to the side that drew with Dulwich Hamlet at the weekend. Josh Parker replaced Alfie Potter.

City had to survive an early onslaught at the start of what was a fairly dull first-half. Four minutes into the game Ben Dudzinski, making his 100^th appearance for City, was forced into an straightforward save when he caught Lamar Reynolds’ header.

The Iron made life hard for the Hoops, pressing well so City couldn’t play their usual passing game.

It took until the half hour mark for City to come close. Josh Parker sent a shot inches wide from outside the box, after Zac McEachran juggled past three of the host’s defenders.

Moreover, just a minute later Braintree had the best chance of the half. Alfie Payne pinched the ball off Canice Carroll, after the hosts pressed City into the error, but Dudzinski was alert to the danger again and came flying off of his line to block the midfielder’s effort.

Half-time: Braintree Town 0-0 Oxford City

City were much better in the second-half but again, both teams were reduced to half-chances. McEachran sent an effort wide of the goal from outside the box a minute before Reece Fleet did the same, but both efforts didn’t trouble Sims.

As the half went on, Braintree ‘keeper Sims was more and more involved. The best save from the number one coming after he rushed at Aaron Williams-Bushell’s feet to deny the winger from a tight-angle.

The game was a real battle and for the 401 fans inside the stadium it was an entertaining affair but despite this, chances were few and far between and on reflection, nothing really to write home about.

The Hoops could’ve nicked three points at the death through a Josh Ashby free-kick. However, his effort dipped over the crossbar and never really troubled Sims. A re-occurring theme in the game.

All in all, a good point for City and a good point and clean-sheet on the road that lifts the Hoops into the play-offs.

Oxford City Starting XI: Dudzinski, Ashby, Burley, Coyle, Fleet ©, McEachran, Lolos (Potter 75’), Parker, Harrison, Williams-Bushell.

Subs not used: Miccio, Rowan, Iaciofano, Humphrey-Ewers