A thoroughly impressive performance from Oxford City saw them come from behind in Vanarama National League North to pick up a mightily impressive three points with a 3-1 victory at Radcliffe.

Tunde Owolabi’s opener put City behind in the first-half before Corie Andrews equalised seconds before the break.

However, after the interval, the Hoops turned on the style and goals from Tom Scott and Zac McEachran secured back-to-back wins on the road. 

Reece Fleet’s illness meant he didn’t make the trip up to Greater Manchester with the team; meaning Josh Ashby took the armband.

Elsewhere, Lewis Coyle dropped to the bench in favour of Jacob Roddy.

In honesty, the first-half didn’t bring many chances. It was a cagey start for both sides, but despite a positive start with the ball, the Hoops fell behind just before the half-hour mark.

Tunde Owolabi caught the Hoops defence napping and nipped in ahead of the City backline to latch onto Rick Smith’s cross to fire home from point-blank range.

That goal seemed to give the hosts a boost, as they piled on the pressure looking to extend their advantage. Nevertheless, City’s defence stood firm.

That proved to be vital too, as the game started to change. Corie Andrews’ bursting runs behind the Borough backline caused them all sorts of problems.

McEachran was also being his usual creative self, and moments before the interval; and the duo collaborated on a lovely move to level seconds before the break.

A ball found it’s way behind the Radcliffe backline to Andrews and the Striker kept his composure to take the ball around ‘keeper Hewelt and slot home from a tight-angle.

Half-time: Radcliffe 1-1 Oxford City

Perhaps the half-time whistle came at the wrong time for the Hoops who were knocking on the Radcliffe door before the break, but they maintained the pressure after the break.

However, Radcliffe almost edged ahead. From set pieces they looked threatening, and if it wasn’t for Kai McKenzie-Lyle’s last-ditch save, it would’ve been 2-1.

The Guyana international flung himself at the feet of Borough substitute Mo Doro to deny the forward.

Again, it proved vital, as City edged ahead minutes later.

A gorgeous ball from Andre Burley found Roddy who set up McEachran for a shot. He did, and it was spilt by Radcliffe ‘keeper Hewelt and into the path of Tom Scott who fired home.

From there, Radcliffe needed a response and they came forward in droves looking for an equaliser. They were caught out though.

A lapse in concentration from Smith allowed Parker to play in McEachran who drove forward to slot into the net when one v one. 3-1.

From there, it was pretty much game over. Even when the Fourth Official indicated six additional minutes, a professional performance made sure resurgence from the hosts was never in doubt.

A thoroughly impressive victory on the road for City. Two wins in two on the road. Not bad for a team in National League North!

Next up, Southport at Court Place Farm on Saturday!

Attendance: 925

Oxford City Starting XI: McKenzie-Lyle, Ezennolim (Burley 14’), Ashby ©, Jones, Andrews (Parker 50’), McEachran (Walsh 87’), Scott, Potter (Coyle 87’), Carbon, Roddy, Drewe

Subs not used: Kpekawa,

Radcliffe Starting XI: Hewelt, Jackson, Duxbury, Smith, Thornley, Maynard, Hancock, Dudley, Roscoe, Sargent, Owolabi

Subs: Adams, Rowe, Walker, Morgan, Doro