The captain’s cultured finish provided a rare moment of quality in a game packed full of drama and incident for all of the wrong reasons.

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the early exchanges, with chances in short supply. City had to wait until the 19th minute for their first sight of goal. 

Harvey Bradbury chased down a Hungerford Town defender’s clearance and inadvertently directed the ball into Joe Iaciofano’s path. The Hoops' top-scorer bore down on goal, but a superb last-ditch tackle stopped him in his tracks as he was about to pull the trigger.

A minute later, the hosts were down to 10. Hungerford forward Sol Wanjau-Smith jinked into the penalty area, but following a heavy-touch, his high lunge on Canice Carroll gave the referee no choice but to deliver the player his marching orders. This would not be the last flash-point of the half.

In the 44th minute, Zico Asare overran the ball leading to a throw-in, only for Hungerford midfielder Callum Willmouth’s nudge to catapult the Hoops defender advertising boards (wall!). The ensuing melee, involving both benches, led to both managers receiving red cards. Much to the bemusement of the supporters at Bulpit Lane.

Half-time: Hungerford Town 0-0 Oxford City 

Despite being down to 10 men, the hosts had the better of the early exchanges in the second half. In the 56th minute, Ben Dudzinski had to be at his best to superbly tip away Hungerford midfielder George Smith's low effort. 

As the half wore on and with City in the ascendancy in terms of possession, Lewis Coyle, Zac McEachran and Nana Owusu were introduced to add more attacking vigour at the expense of Asare, Carroll and Jack Davies.

The additional attacking impetus almost paid dividends as Iaciofano’s whipped cross was headed goalwards by Josh Ashby from 8 yards out. However, Hungerford’s Luke Cairney stood strong to palm the ball to safety.

City were beginning to build momentum, with McEachran, Owusu and George Harmon going close. The latter having his effort cleared off the line after an indirect free kick had been awarded in the penalty area following a back pass.

Hungerford’s defensive resilience looked to be enough to ensure that the game would peter out to a draw. However, in the 88th minute, up stepped the captain! Coyle and McEachran did well to work the ball to Bradbury, his turn and shot squirmed into the path of Fleet, who clipped an angled lob from the right hand side of the penalty area. Hungerford’s Cairney could only watch in despair as the ball sailed into the net and the City players wheeled away in celebration.

The Hoops travelling faithful (who were in fine voice throughout) lauded their team at the final whistle, as Oldfield’s men celebrated 10 unbeaten in the National League South and cemented 2nd place in the process.

Full-Time: Hungerford Town 0-1 Oxford City

Starting XI: Dudzinski, Asare (Coyle 45’), Harmon, Matsuzaka, Ashby, Davies (Owusu 67’), Bradbury, Iaciofano , Carroll (McEachran 54’) , Fleet, Kyprianou

Subs not used: Benyon, Bancroft