Defeat to the champions-elect.

Chesterfield 2

Grigg 1'

Naylor 55'

Oxford City 0

Despite an encouraging performance, goals from Will Grigg and Tom Naylor consigned Oxford City to defeat away at the champions-elect in the Vanarama National League. 

Grigg got the league leaders off to a flying start as he found the net within seconds of the get-go. However, City battled back valiantly.

There was controversy as the Hoops were awarded a penalty after Harvey Greenslade was upended in the box by Spireites Goalkeeper Harry Tyrer.

Despite the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity, the host's shot-stopper escaped with just a yellow card and redeemed himself to parry away Josh Parker's spot-kick.

The contest was sealed ten minutes into the second-half when Tom Naylor scored from a tight angle, slotting the ball through the legs of Tom Watson and finding the net with the aid of the post.

Selection

Both side's named unchanged team's from the weekend's round of fixtures.

Ross Jenkins made one change in total to his squad. The injured Reece Fleet missed out, and new signing Ernaldo Krasniqi replaced the skipper on the bench.

First Half

Less than 60 seconds into the clash against the table toppers, the hosts went ahead, and showed why they were on the brink of the National League title. 

A corner from Liam Mandeville was sent into the box and Will Grigg sent a strike past Tom Watson to put the hosts one up within the first minute. 

Furthermore, the City shot-stopper was involved again a few minutes later. 

This time, Andre Burley lost possession which led to Grigg taking aim at goal. However, Watson produced a strong save with his left leg to deny the striker. 

The 7,000-plus fans inside the SMH Group Stadium started to crank the atmosphere up. However City stood up to the challenge and held their own.

Then the controversy. 

Harvey Greenslade was played through on goal, and he was tripped by Tyrer inside the box before he could tap the ball into an empty net.

The referee’s decision led to a yellow card - but perhaps it could have been a red. A let-off for the Chesterfield goalkeeper. 

In front of the packed 'Kop' of vocal Chesterfield supporters, Josh Parker hit the penalty to his left, but Tyrer guessed correctly and palmed the shot away. The intense atmosphere cranked up a notch.

Despite that, City kept pressing for an equaliser. Greenslade continued to cause problems and came close again, sending a strike into the side-netting after latching onto Andre Burley's pass.

Nya Kirby also came close for the second-time in the contest, but his shot from outside the box was fired over the crossbar.

Half-Time: Chesterfield 1-0 Oxford City

Second-Half

City continued their positive start after the interval.

Josh Parker's smooth pass found Josh Ashby. However, a heavy touch from the midfielder meant the ball bounced into Tyrer's grateful grasp with the midfielder baring down on goal. 

Latrell Humphrey-Ewers was the next to try his luck, but his mazey run through the defence didn't open up the angle for a shot.

Nevertheless, the host's did extend their lead.

A good exchange between Grigg and Naylor fed the latter down the right-wing.

Furthermore, Naylor managed to poke a shot through Watson's legs from a tight-angle, and with the help of the post, they doubled their advantage.

Despite the hosts two to the good, City continued to battle, and once again they came close!

Harry Birtwistle sent a cross to Lewis Coyle inside the box, but the winger's effort was met by a stunning save by Tyrer who tipped the shot over the crossbar.

Chesterfield then started to find their feet and came close to a third on three occasions.

Mike Jones and Armando Dobra came close with efforts flying just wide of the post. Ash Palmer also saw his effort cannon back off the post.

Nevertheless, City survived the onslaught and they could've grabbed a consolation in stoppage time.

Josh Parker timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap, but he couldn't find the angle to pick out the corner of the net when one v one with Tyrer.

A defeat on the road, but once again the Hoops showed that they'll continue to battle until the very end.

That elusive win doesn't seem to be too far away.

Attendance: 7,106 (26 Oxford City)

Oxford City Starting XI

Watson, Burley, Phillips, Ashby, Kirby (Krasniqi 73'), Coyle, Greenslade, Parker (C), Humphrey-Ewers (Roddy 69'), Birtwistle (Williams-Bushell 59'), O'Connell

Subs not used

Kabongolo, Lumeka

Chesterfield Starting XI

Tyrer, Sheckleford, Palmer, Grimes (C), Horton, Jones, Naylor, Mandeville (Berry 73'), Banks (Jacobs 80'), Dobra (Colclough 73'), Grigg

Subs not used

Williams, Quigley