An injury time header from defender Jalen Jones saw Oxford City deservedly hit back to draw 1-1 with title favourites Kidderminster Harriers at the MGroup Stadium this afternoon

A first half strike from Ashley Hemmings and an incredible double save from visiting keeper Christian Dibble after the break seemed to be giving Phil Brown's high flying Harriers all three points until Jones soared above them all to power home an equaliser in time added on

The opener came after just 12 minutes when Hemmings headed home the only goal of an entertaining encounter. Kai McKenzie-Lyle had done well mere seconds before, somehow saving a close range volley from Joe Foulkes, but was then helpless when the Harriers recycled the loose ball and a clipped cross left Hemmings with the simple task of making it 1-0.

The Hoops responded well to the setback with Josh Ashby driving them forward from midfield and there were half chances without a true sight at goal against a well-drilled Harriers back line.  Zac McEachran fired a speculative effort wide after half an hour, Josh Parker floated a free kick harmlessly over the bar soon after and City were very much still in the game at half way.

The second half was a more open encounter. A nasty looking injury to Foulkes held the initial stages up for a lengthy period- we hope the injury isn’t as bd as it initially appeared - but a spate of yellow cards and niggly fouls slowed the momentum as City tried to find a way back into things.

There was a let off just after the hour when Kam Kandola flicked a header wide but on 68 minutes  City had a golden opportunity to get back on level terms. Correction. Two golden chances. They came after Jones was hauled back as he challenged for a back post header. Ashby's penalty was well-saved by Dibble, the follow up save was astonishing, somehow scrambling across to keep Ashby's shot out from the rebound.

However The Hoops refused to accept their fate and in the nine minutes of additional time they grabbed their goal when Chi Ezennolim galloped forward and put in a superb cross which Jones sent past the despairing Dibble to ensure that the home side got the point they had fought so hard for.

A fine game in front of the biggest crowd of the season. Upwards, onwards and a home game against Curzon Ashton on Tuesday. Can't wait.

CITY

McKenzie-Lyle, Drewe, Jones, Ezennolim, Burley (Scott 78), Coyle, Ashby, Fleet, McEachran (Potter 80), Parker, Andrews

SUBS: Willcox, Croker, Howell

ATT:  1,059

Report by Chris Williams, pictures by Simon Godfrey