Charlie Rowan added a second goal after the interval to secure the win for Ross Jenkins’ men, heading home from Latrell Humphrey-Ewers’ cross.

Jenkins made three changes to the side that lined up against Farnborough on Saturday. Humphrey-Ewers, Joe Iaciofano and Canice Carroll replaced Jean-Baptiste Fischer, Klaidi Lolos and Reece Fleet.

The away side, fighting for their lives in VNLS, started on the front foot. Jake Evans flicked a header wide at the back post on five minutes but should’ve done better.

On ten minutes, City got a proper look at what Humphrey-Ewers could offer. The youngster expertly fed Zac McEachran through on goal with a low driven pass from his own area. However, the Hoops’ number ten couldn’t quite pick out Josh Parker on the edge of the area and the away side recovered.

Hungerford didn’t start like a team that were second-bottom of the league. Ben Dudzinski was called into action, racing out of his goal to deny Sammy Ompreon when one on one with the Crusader’s striker.

However, five minutes from the interval City showed their class. Josh Parker picked up the ball from 40-yards out and let a thunderous effort fly towards goal. The striker hit is so sweetly, it arrowed past Hungerford ‘keeper Tyla Dickinson and nestled into the top corner. An unbelievable strike, worth the admission fee alone.

From then on in, City were in total control and dominated proceedings. Andre Burley wanted to get in on the act next and it was almost de ja vu when the makeshift midfielder took aim from thirty-yards out. Moreover he came close, Hungerford counting their lucky stars when the shot dipped inches over the crossbar.

Half-Time: Oxford City 1-0 Hungerford Town

Only ten minutes after the interval, City should’ve doubled their lead. Joe Iaciofano burst into the box and smashed an effort onto the crossbar. Close!

However, City didn’t have to wait long for a second and Humphrey-Ewers was making the most of the manager’s faith in him. The midfielder floated a cross into the box and it was inch perfect for Charlie Rowan, who rose highest to power a header into the net. Game, set, and match!

The visitor’s were down but they didn’t give up, and even hit the crossbar themselves. Jake Evans almost grabbed one back for Hungerford with a shot from just outside the box.

The City defence were excellent throughout the ninety minutes and didn’t give up on their clean-sheet easily. Dudzinski again impressing, this time denying the lively Evans after the midfielder had dribbled his way into the box and fired a low effort towards goal.

It was a job well done for City and the three points lift the Hoops to eighth in National League South, one point outside the play-offs.

Next up, the small matter of the Emirates FA Cup First Round away at Fleetwood Town!

Oxford City Starting XI: Dudzinski, Miccio, Burley, Rowan, Iaciofano (Muchechetere 68’), McEachran (Coyle 90’), Parker, Harrison, Williams-Bushell, Carroll, Humphrey-Ewers (Carbon 68’)

Subs not used: Fischer, Lolos