A slow start from City was capitalised upon by the visitors who sought to end their 5-game winless run in the National League South.

Ben Dudzinksi was tested early doors when he could only parry away Tommy Wright’s effort from the edge of the box into the path of Jake McCarthy. However, he saw his first-time strike skim the outside of the post. 

20 minutes in, Iaciofano was awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box following a late challenge from Oscar Grobern, the striker took charge of the set-piece himself but his effort didn't beat the wall.

Dudzinski was at the heart of the action again, this time denying Billy Clifford with a fingertip save to tip the ball over the crossbar.

The Hawks' relentless pressure was then rewarded with a wondergoal from Clifford. The midfielder's in-swinging corner sailed over everyone in the box to find the far top corner, to give the visitors the lead directly from the corner.

Just shy of halftime, George Harmon had a chance to equalise as the wing back stood over a free kick just outside the box however, the strike was down the throat of Ross Worner in between the sticks. 

Half-time: Oxford City 0 – 1 Havant & Waterlooville

The second half began slowly as both sides were battling for possession in the middle third, where the referee issued yellow’s to Clifford and James Roberts for tactical fouls.

City sought to change the tide as Harvey Bradbury and Alfie Potter made way for Jacob Bancroft and Josh Ashby, just after the hour mark.

Ross Worner was forced into action 5 minutes later as a Ewan Clark lofted corner found the head of the oncoming Dan Matsuzaka, but a low reactive save to his left denied the defender.

Then, with ten minutes left of play, City became relentless in front of goal. A driving run from Zac McEachran ended with the midfielder feeding Jacob Bancroft on the right, and his first-time ball into the corridor of uncertainty was met by Iaciofano to plant the ball home and punish the Hawks.

No more than 2 minutes later, City took the lead through Harmon. McEachran collected the ball 30-yards out and drove at the heart of Havant’s defence before threading a pass left to Harmon, and with a first time strike, fired it into the bottom right corner to put City in the driving seat.

If things could not get any better for the Hoops, substitute Ashby grabbed a third to put the game to bed in added time. Iaciofano held the ball up in the Hawks box and rolled a cheeky back heel into Ashby who planted the ball into the bottom left, past a helpless Worner.

A clinical last rush from City sees them grab all three points in the run for a playoff spot. The Hoops focus now turns to Tuesday as they travel to Meadowbank to grab a result against in-form National League South leaders Dorking Wanderers. 

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