It was a difficult night for Oxford City as they lost to Leamington FC 4-1 in Vanarama National League North.

Zac McEachran’s late goal was not enough to bring City back into the game as Callum Stewart’s late goal sealed his hat-trick and the win for the home side. 

The Brakes began the game the better for the two sides, but the Hoops beat the effective press of Leamington and Zac McEachran forced a save out of Callum Hawkins in the Brakes’ net early on. 

Dan Meredith was causing some problems for the Hoops down the right, but City’s three giants at the back were up to the task. Henry Landers whipped in a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, but Mitchell was able to chaperone it out. 

Just after the half hour mark, Andre Burley was dispossessed deep in the Leamington half. George Ward was able to switch the ball out to Meredith, who had room to run. He played a 1-2 with Anthony Lynn and poked the ball past Rylee Mitchell. 1-0.

The Hoops responded well though and enjoyed their longest period of possession of the game. 

Parker’s effort from the halfway line shortly before the break was gathered calmly by Leamington. An audacious effort, but well worth a pop. 

The Hoops began the second half with real positivity, Zac McEachran was found on the edge of the box after Alfie Potter carried through midfield. His shot just whisked outside the left post. 

Chi Ezennolim came on and began causing problems down the left. He linked up well with McEachran and was played through for a glorious chance in the 57th minute. He couldn’t guide his shot and blasted it over the bar. 

A clearance from Leamington was not dealt with by City put Jacob Roddy in a running race with Callum Stewart. Stewart won the race and it ended with Andre Burley bringing him down in the box and Stewart converted the resulting penalty. 2-0 down after a promising star to the half. 

Another long ball from Leamington caused Oxford more problems. A mix-up at the back gifted Stewart a tap-in to put Leamington 3-0 up after just over an hour, to all but seal the win.

City stuck at it and a corner fell to McEachran six yards out from goal and he buried his shot to pull one back. 

The boys kept pushing for another with Parker, Ezennolim and McEachran linking up well down the left-hand side. Ashby also had an effort fly just past the upright. 

Despite all the pressure Oxford had been piling on Leamington, Stewart was able to complete his hat-trick in the dying minutes of the game. 

Full time 4-1. It was a disappointing result after all the positives from the weekend, but we go again in a big Emirates FA Cup Qualifier on Saturday against Gosport Borough at Court Place Farm.

Oxford City Starting XI: 

Mitchell; Burley, Jones (Ezennolim 51’), Roddy (Andrews 77’), Kpekawa, Coyle (Carbon 80’); Ashby, Fleet, Potter (Stretton 64’), McEachran; Parker 

Unused Subs: Scott 

Att: 527