Oxford City left it late to continue their impressive away form with a last-gasp 2-0 victory over play-off chasing Hereford at Edgar Street.

Two late goals from Josh Ashby and Josh Parker secured the win after Hereford were reduced to ten men following two Alex Babos  yellow cards in the first-half.

Ross Jenkins made a single change to the team that drew 1-1 with Southport on Saturday. There was a welcome return for Josh Ashby as he returned from a one-match suspension to replace Alfie Potter. Lewis Coyle returned to the bench.

It was a first-half of (very) few chances, as the game was played in a similar fashion by both sides. Both lining up with a back three, and both trying to get on the front foot.

However, it was Oxford City who looked the more likely to open the scoring. Tom Scott came close twice from range, his first effort forced a solid save from Aaron Chapman before his second flashed wide of the post.

The host’s threat was supressed to long throw-ins into the box, but McKenzie-Lyle was rarely troubled between the sticks.

As the half continued to fizzle out, suddenly we had a talking point. Alex Babos had already been cautioned for hacking down the lively Zac McEachran on the counter, and clearly didn’t heed his warning.

Josh Parker was the beneficiary of his next clumsy challenge, and referee Ash Clarke had no choice to give the midfielder his marching orders.

Half-Time: Hereford 0-0 Oxford City

If the Hoops thought the red-card would give them a leg-up in the game, then they would have been wrong.

Hereford came into the second-half with a backs against the wall mentality and the Bulls were keen to upset City with one less man.

The Hoops continued to test their counterparts but Hereford looked dangerous on the break. Moreover, the Bulls’ faithful fed from the energy that their team started to give them on the pitch.

Tom Scott came close with his last kick of the match, rattling the crossbar from Parker’s pullback. Whereas Ashby and Fleet also came close with efforts of their own.

The clock ticked on, and so did City’s chances, but the Hereford defence continued to be steadfast.

In fact, McKenzie-Lyle had to make a super stop to deny Cosmos Matwasa a late winner to break City hearts.

However, City dug-in and made sure that they left Herefordshire with all three points. They huffed and puffed and with two minutes to go, their pressure paid.

Josh Ashby squirmed through on goal and sent Lewis Coyle’s pass into the corner of the net and past a helpless Chapman to score a very late goal!

However, they weren’t done there. As Hereford threw everyone forward looking for an last-gasp equaliser, City struck again.

Alfie Potter broke away from a Hereford corner and unselfishly found Parker, who slammed home a second goal.

Another win for City who have made it three wins in three on the road. Next up, Scarborough at home.

Attendance: 1,949

Oxford City Starting XI: McKenzie-Lyle, Burley, Ashby, Jones, Fleet ©, McEachran, Parker, Scott (Potter 72’), Carbon (Walsh 77’), Roddy (Coyle 72’), Drewe

Subs Not Used: Siddik, Croker

Hereford Starting XI: Chapman, Hudson, Campbell, Preston, D’Ath, Babos, Rose, Ceesay, Howkins, Deacon, Bartley

Subs: Horton, Williams, Rooney, Teixeira, Matwasa