It was a day to forget for Oxford City, and they were well-beaten away at Needham Market in National League North.

Despite a positive start, City were undone when Iffy Allen ran through on goal to lob Kai McKenzie-Lyle for the opener.

Then, just before the interval Jacob Lay's header was judged to have just crossed the line by the linesman for a sucker punch blow.

After the break, the Marketmen compunded City's misery as they put the game to bed with goals by Jamie McGrath and Charlie Wood.

The team picked itself for Ross Jenkins. Lewis Coyle was suspended, Reece Fleet was still recovering from illness and the injury absentees grew moments into the game.

Corie Andrews stretched his legs as he attempted to latch onto Zac McEachran's through pass, but in doing so pulled up and had to be subbed.

Moreover, the start worsened when Iffy Allen broke down the right wing and duly lobbed Kai McKenzie-Lyle with a perfect finish to give Needham the lead.

In truth, this report can only really focus on the goals, as not much football was played on a bobbly surface that the City squad couldn't get to grips with.

It was 2-0 just before the break. McKenzie-Lyle looked like he'd made a superb save to knock Jacob Lay's header onto the crossbar and out. However, the linesman had different ideas and said the ball had crossed the line to the bemusement of the Hoops players.

Half-Time: Needham Market 2-0 Oxford City

The City side were out early from the changing rooms, but as the temperature started to drop and snow began to fall, no reaction came.

The third goal decided the game. Lay's cross was attacked by McGrath and his simple (but impressive) header found the net.

That would've been perhaps the easiest goal the Marketmen would have scored all season... If it wasn't for the fourth goal.

A carbon copy of the third. Lay's cross wasn't dealt with, but this time Charlie Wood was on the end of it deep into added time to rub salt into the wounds.

A poor game, compounded by the result. However, we pick ourselves up and go again.

The last word has to go to the supporters that made the journey. A day to forget, but as ever, the travelling Shed were there in the cold getting behind the team.

We stick together, and go again on Tuesday evening away at King's Lynn, before returning to the MGroup Stadium on Saturday (22 Feb) vs Scunthorpe United.

Attendance: 508

Oxford City FC Starting XI: McKenzie-Lyle, Burley (Kpekawa 67'), Ezennolim, Ashby, Jones, Coyle, Andrews (Carbon 36'), McEachran, Scott, Potter, Willcox, Drewe

Subs not used: Kauan, Harvey, Croker