The hosts came into the game with a 100% home record in the league but after City had hit the woodwork three times in the game and created multiple opportunities, the Hoops were good value for their win.

Ross Jenkins made two changes to the side that beat Hornchurch on Saturday; Andre Burley & Alfie Potter replaced Charlie Rowan and Jean-Baptiste Fischer.

It was an even game from the first whistle but it was the hosts who had the first chance of the game. A training ground routine from a free-kick allowed ex-Hoop James Roberts to fire at goal, but Ben Dudzinski palmed away the effort.

From then on in, City grew into the game and the woodwork proved to be Havant’s best friend (and not for the first time in the afternoon). Zac McEachran weaved through the host’s defence and rolled an effort at goal. Havant ‘keeper Ross Worner was left stranded and could only watch as the ball bounced off the inside the box and rolled away to safety.

Once again, seconds before the half-time whistle, the Hoops were wondering how they weren’t ahead. Klaidi Lolos faked a shot and opened an angle to shoot with the goal gaping, but the striker jinked the ball back onto his right foot, allowing for Joe Newton to block an eventual shot.

Half-time: Havant & Waterlooville 0-0 Oxford City

Throughout the game, the home side threatened to create chances, but never truly tested Dudzinski. Muhammadu Faal headed an effort over the crossbar after Josh Passley's cross but apart from that chance, the City defence stood strong.

Ten minutes after the re-start the crossbar came to Havant’s rescue. A super counter-attack from City allowed Josh Parker to cut the ball back to the edge of the area and into the path of Alfie Potter. Potter manoeuvred his body and curled a shot that cannoned off the bar. If only it was a few inches lower…

Havant were riding their luck and despite City’s constant pressure, they weren’t getting the message! This time it was Ross Worner who saved his side. McEachran beat the offside trap to burst through on goal 1v1 but the ‘keeper was alert to the danger and rushed off his line to make a superb save.

City must’ve been thinking that it wasn’t their day when Canice Carroll saw City’s third shot come back off the post. Aaron Williams-Bushell picked the defender out at the back post but he could only find the outside of the post with his effort.

Nevertheless, City continued to knock on the door and they got their just rewards in the 91^st minute. Reece Fleet picked out Josh Ashby, who burst inside the area after making a superb third man run, smashing the ball into the net to the delight of the travelling fans. Deserved.

With four minutes remaining, the hosts threw the kitchen sink at City but the defensive quartet of Carroll, Burley, Harrison and Coyle stood firm to see out the game and secure an impressive clean sheet.

The hosts felt aggrieved after the final whistle, as they thought that they should’ve had a penalty when Tom Harrison expertly tackled Jake McCarthy in added time. Tommy Wright was sent off after the final whistle for the hosts after his decision to verbally bombard the referee.

However, it was a thoroughly impressive performance from the whole squad and a first three points in the VNLS since our 2-0 win over Hampton & Richmond in early September. The Hoops’ unbeaten run in all competitions now stretches to eight games.

Next up, Taunton Town visit the RAW Charging Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Oxford City Starting XI: Dudzinski, Ashby (Fischer 90+2), Burley, Coyle, Fleet, McEachran, Lolos (Iaciofano 76’), Parker, Harrison, Potter (Williams-Bushell 56’), Carroll

Subs not used: Miccio, Rowan