Spireites Strike Late to Deny City Their First Points of the Campaign

Oxford City 1

Parker 61'

Chesterfield 2

Naylor 45+1', Grigg 88'

A last gasp Will Grigg goal cruelly denied Oxford City their first point of the season following a fine display against league title favourites Chesterfield.

An even first period looked certain to finish goalless, but the visitors took the lead with the last action of the half as Tom Naylor headed home a corner. But the Hoops came out firing, and levelled on the hour through Josh Parker’s fine finish, but were unable to see the result through thanks to Grigg’s goal.

SELECTION

Following Saturday’s defeat to Rochdale, Ross Jenkins freshened up his side, making three changes. A straight swap at the back saw Lewis Miccio make his first appearance of the season in place of Tom Harrison.

A slight tactical switch saw Latrell Humphrey-Ewers start in place of Nya Kirby, while Alfie Potter was also rested, with Pierre Fonkeu making his first start for the Hoops.

First-Half

The first action of the match resulted in the yellow card making an appearance within 45 seconds. Ryan Colclough was the man shown it as he was penalised by referee Farai Hallam for simulation in the box within the first minute.

But a positive start from the Hoops saw them create the best chance of the half within the opening 10 minutes as a great move saw the ball land with Josh Parker on the edge of the box, but he was unable to get enough power on his effort to beat Harry Tyrer.

In truth, neither defence were troubled with both sides venturing forwards, but were unable to force their opposite keeper into saves.

With the break approaching, Chesterfield started to show more of a threat, and Colclough’s cross found the head of James Berry, but sailed over the bar.

But in the one added minute in the first half, the Hoops’ resistance was broken. After Chris Haigh was forced into his first save of the game, the resulting corner was directed into the top corner of the net to give the visitors the lead right on the stroke of half-time.

Half-time – Oxford City 0-1 Chesterfield

Second-half

The Hoops came out after the break and upped the tempo of their play and passing to get themselves back into the match.

After 15 minutes of pushing, they got a deserved leveller, through Josh Parker. The forward pounced on a mistake from Ash Palmer, he laid off to Ashby who’s cross was absolutely perfect to Parker who volleyed home at the back post to level the scores.

The game somewhat opened up, with chances at both ends. Ollie Banks fired over the crossbar just minutes after the equaliser for Chesterfield.

City also continued to test the visiting defence, and Parker in particular forced skipper Jamie Grimes into a good block, before a set-piece from wide was laid off to Latrell Humphrey-Ewers who could only fire over the bar.

Heading into the final 10 minutes, this pattern of play continued.

Canice Carroll did well to block an effort on goal, conceding a corner that was headed goalwards by Palmer, that was well held by Haigh.

Back up the other end and Tyrer pulled off a good save with his feet to deny Parker a second as he looked to fire across the keeper on the angle.

But the hammer blow for the Hoops came with just two minutes left on the clock. A good move from the visitors saw Grigg receive the ball on the penalty spot, with the striker poking past Haigh to ensure Chesterfield kept up their perfect start to the season.

Match Details

Attendance: 1,361 (641 away)

Oxford City Starting XI: 

Haigh, Burley, Miccio, Ashby, Coyle (Wilson 90), Fleet, Parker, Fonkeu (Moore 90), Williams-Bushell, Carroll, Humphrey-Ewers

Subs not used: Kirby, Harrison, Potter

Chesterfield Starting XI:

Tyrer, Sheckleford, Palmer, Grimes, Horton (King 71), Naylor, Mandeville (Oldaker 84), Jacobs, Berry (Banks 56), Grigg, Colclough

Subs not used: Quigley, Jones