David Oldfield made a single change coming into the game. Lewis Coyle replaced the injured Alfie Potter.



The match started on an ill note as Joe Ellul went down injured trying to run after a long ball in the 4th minute. After 5 minutes of help from physios of both teams, he was eventually stretchered off the field.

After a lull in play after the departure of Ellul, Maidstone carved out the first opportunity of the game.

A cross from the left by Jerome Binnon-Williams was met in the box by Roary Deacon who headed the ball into the bottom left corner to give the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute. 0-1.

Maidstone almost doubled their lead immediately but a fantastic block from Dan Matsuzaka sent Christie Pattisson’s shot wide after the Stones’ striker was sent through on goal.

City’s defence continued to be put under pressure, which culminated in Odusanya seeing his shot cleared off the line by George Harmon after more good work down the left wing from the away side.

City were to have their say though. A chipped ball by Josh Ashby saw Jacob Bancroft run into the box but his shot from a tight angle was parried away from goal. Harmon nearly found the rebound but a great tackle from Gavin Hoyte saved his keeper’s blushes.

Then a corner from Ashby was perfectly met by a diving Matsuzaka but the defender’s header was well saved by Tom Hadler.

Half-Time: Oxford City 0-1 Maidstone

On the hour mark, Ben Dudzinski was called into action again in the second half to brilliantly parry wide a shot from Pattisson on as Maidstone continued their search for another goal.

However, in the 64th minute, they found their second goal. Matsuzaka was dispossessed by Pattisson, who promptly squared the ball to Luque who smashed home from point blank range. 0-2.

More Dudzinski heroics were needed. Alfie Pavey ran through on goal 1v1 but a stunning one-handed save from the City no.1 denied Maidstone a third.

City were down but certainly not out. In added time Ashby then popped up in the Maidstone box after being laid off by McEachran and fired a vicious shot into the bottom corner to half the deficit in the 93rd minute. 1-2.

However, it wasn’t to be for the Hoops. Maidstone countered almost instantly and after good work from Pavey, Regan Booty was on hand to slot home from two yards out after the former’s cut-back.

It wasn’t to be for David Oldfield’s men this afternoon.

Oxford City Line-up: Dudzinski; Asare, Harmon, Matsuzaka, Davies (Iaciofano 80); Ashby, Fleet, Carroll, Coyle (McEachran 65); Bradbury (Benyon 75), Bancroft.

Unused Subs: Rowan, Owusu.

Match Attendance: 603