Andre Burley gave City the lead in the first-half before Dave Sims-Burgess cancelled out the opener from a corner. Reece Fleet was sent-off with ten minutes to go when he received a second yellow card.

Ross Jenkins handed U23’s attacker Jayden Carbon a full debut after impressing in the squad. A third debut for one of City’s youth graduates this season.

It was a cagey opening to the game with both teams trying to get over there opponents with fouls, the visitor’s Joe Guest the first of many yellow cards in the game.

Klaidi Lolos had the first sniff of a chance for City when he weaved in between the defence to drag a shot wide of the post.

However, the Hoops took the lead on twenty minutes through an unlikely source. Andre Burley grabbed his first goal in City colours, steering home from inside the box after Lolos expertly found the defender with his cutback from the by-line.

The game continued and so did the yellow cards. David Sims-Burgess’ late challenge on Harrson earnt him a yellow whilst Reece Fleet was booked on the half-hour after catching Joe Budd.

Taunton were almost level just two minutes later. Joe Guest fired a thunderbolt towards goal that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar but to the visitor’s dismay, bounced clear of the goal line.

However, the Peacock’s did have their goal five minutes before the break when Sims-Burgess managed to poke home a shot from a corner, as the Hoops couldn’t clear their lines.

Half-Time: Oxford City 1-1 Taunton Town

Straight after the re-start, Lolos was at it again! This time running past what seemed like the entirery of the Town defenders with the ball sticking to his feet like glue. He unleashed a low drive towards goal that stung the palms of Jack Bycroft from 25-yards out.

From then on in, it was a rather gritty game. Fouls were given regularly that stopped the free-flowing football City like to play and both teams were reduced to half chances. The best chance of note falling to Taunton’s Jay Foulston, whose attempt to lob Ben Dudzinski from 30-yards ended with his effort floating over the crossbar and not troubling the Hoops’ number one.

With an array of yellow cards shown throughout the game, it was only a matter of time before we saw a red and unfortunately for City, Ross Jenkins’ side were on the wrong end of it. Captain Reece Fleet was shown a second-yellow card for a late challenge with three minutes remaining.

Taunton sensed a chance to revert from their more defensive style to go attacking and steal all the points, however this backfired and City took full advantage.

Seconds after Canice Carroll had denied Dylan Morgan’s effort from flying into the top corner with a super sliding challenge, the Hoops countered.

Tom Harrison was bundled over in the box with ninety minutes on the clock and the referee had no option but to point to the spot. Joe Iaciofano stepped up to take it and with a hop, skip and a jump made no mistake from the spot to win it!

A massive win for City who also extend their unbeaten run to nine goals in all competitions. Next up, a trip to Farnborough.

Oxford City Starting XI: Dudzinski, Burley, Coyle, Fleet ©, McEachran, Lolos (Iaciofano 72’), Carbon (Williams-Bushell 62’), Parker, Harrison, Fischer, Carroll

Subs not used: Miccio, Rowan, Humphrey-Ewers