A 90+4^th minute winner from Dan Jarvis broke Oxford City hearts as Oxford City suffered a gut-wrenching defeat away at Peterborough Sports in Vanarama National League North.

The Hoops were well on top in the first-half and deservedly led at the break through Corie Andrews’ well-taken goal.

However, the game was turned on its head after Mark Jones’ equaliser and the hosts piled on the pressure. Moreover, just seconds after City should’ve stolen all three points with a big chance at the death, they were undone by Dan Jarvis’ last-ditch goal deep into added time.  

Reece Fleet missed the match with illness, so Josh Ashby took the captain’s armband. Whereas, Alfie Potter & Zac McEachran returned to the starting XI.

The first half started in a lively fashion, but clear-cut chances didn’t accompany the game’s fast start.

Peterborough Sports had the first chance of the game when Hugh Alban-Jones met Dan Jarvis’ cutback, but he could only blast a ball over the crossbar.

From then on in, the host’s game plan became obvious. However, the Hoops quickly compromised the ‘punt it as far up the pitch as you can’ tactic.

In fact, it was Oxford City who were the better side before the interval. Corie Andrews was denied an opener by the linesman’s flag, as he and Josh Parker linked up superbly throughout the opening stages.

Andrews wasn’t to be denied for long though. City took a leaf out of the Sports’ playbook for the opener.

A long ball from Andre Burley bounced over the experienced Michael Gash and City’s number nine made the most of the error.

His superb first touch outwitted his marker and he stayed composed to roam into the box and pick out the bottom corner with a superb finish to give the Hoops a well-deserved lead at the break.

Half-time: Peterborough Sports 0-1 Oxford City

After the break, Sports came flying out of the traps. Clearly not content with their first-half performance, they brought the game to City.

Just four minutes after the break they had their first chance. Michael Gyasi couldn’t quite find the net after turning well inside the box and he sent his stinging shot just wide of the post.

From there, chances were few and far between. Both teams scrapped for the ball, but neither could land a glove on two steadfast defences.

In fact, the closest the 190 supporters inside Pims Park got to a goal was when Josh Ashby’s corner almost curled all the way into the net fifteen minutes from time.

Nevertheless, the expected onslaught came and the hosts equalised through substitute Mark Jones. Michael Gyasi ran through on goal but saw his prodded effort bobble past Kai McKenzie-Lyle and bounce off the post.

Luckily for Peterborough though, Jones was following in to tap home from point blank range.

That goal spurred the hosts on, and they very nearly turned the game on its head within a minute. A corner floated into the box was met by Gash’s powerful volley, but McKenzie-Lyle produced a stunning stop to deny a second goal.

However, despite the resurgence, it was the Hoops who looked threatening albeit on the counter. McEachran’s quick free kick to Potter’s feet caught the Sports defence off guard but when through on goal; City couldn’t pick the right pass.

They kept threatening too, as Sports committed men forward they didn’t learn their lesson and somehow City were denied all three points due to a dramatic save from Peter Crook.

Again the Hoops broke but when Drewe picked out Andrews, Crook somehow denied the striker with a double save.

But, when it rains, it pours and this cruel league kicks you when you’re down. From that chance, somehow City managed to be defeated whilst on the cusp of victory. Sports galloped down the right wing and Jones bundled Gyasi’s cross into the net.

Heartbreak. A sucker punch, but there’s no time to feel down. There’s nother huge came on Saturday away at Needham Market.

Attendance: 190

Oxford City FC Starting XI: McKenzie-Lyle, Burley, Ezennolim, Ashby, Jones, Coyle, Andrews, McEachran, Parker (Carbon 90+3’), Potter, Drewe

Subs not used: Kpekawa, Scott, Willcox, Croker