The hosts dominated possession in the first-half at Meadowbank, however City never shirked the challenge presented by a typically resilient Dorking side who underlined their own promotion credentials.
Dorking came into the fixture on a nine match winning run and they wasted no time in showcasing their good form.
Ben Dudzinski was at his best denying chances from James McShane and Niall McManus. However, the hosts finally made their first-half dominance count from a set-piece.
A free-kick was awarded 30-yards away from goal after Reece Fleet’s seemingly well-timed tackle was penalised by referee Andy Humphries. Darren Oldaker did the rest; blasting the ball round the wall and into the bottom corner despite Dudzinski’s best efforts to palm the ball away.
City did respond towards the end of the half when George Harmon set Elliot Benyon through on goal. However, frustratingly Ed Harris intercepted the ball seconds before the striker could poke an effort towards goal.
Half-Time: Dorking 1-0 Oxford City
Just after the interval, City came flying out of the blocks. George Harmon’s quick feet won a free-kick on the edge of the area but Josh Ashby’s effort was saved by Dan Lincoln only a minute into the half.
Just before the hour mark, Lincoln had the woodwork to thank this time. George Harmon was played through on goal but his driven shot cannoned back from the post to the relief of the home crowd.
City continued to up the tempo and the majority of the play was in Dorking's final third, but the hosts' defence was standing firm. More chances followed but it simply wasn't to be on the night.
The Hoops lose ground on the leaders but remain in the promotion chase and will now look to bounce back when they visit Hampton & Richmond on Saturday.
Attendance: 1,445
Starting XI: Dudzinski, Asare, Harmon, Ashby, Matsuzaka, Fleet (c), Benyon (Iaciofano 72'), McEachran, Owusu (Coyle 80'), Carroll, Kyprianou (Bancroft 72')
Subs not used: Rowan, Bradbury