Oxford City couldn't quite carry their 2024 form into 2025 as a first half goal from Connor Hall and a last minute Shane Byrne penalty gave Brackley a 2-0 win at the MGroup Stadium this afternoon.

Having come under early pressure City rallied after the break but for once couldn't find a goal  as a well-drilled Brackley side won a very competitive local derby.

City relied on keeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle in the opening stages with two good saves to deny Morgan Roberts as the visitors started the new year strongly. The Hoops stood up to the challenge with teenage centre-half Phil Croker slotting in well alongside Jalen Jones and Arron Drewe at the back but just couldn't find a way to keep possession and play their way into the game in a one-sided first half hour.

 
However, they started to spray the ball around after that, Zac McEachran stabbing a chance wide and Croker heading another off target, although it took a flying block by McKenzie Lyle to stop the dangerous Roberts getting in on goal just before Hall flicked home a header from a Bates cross to give the Saint the lead right on the half time whistle.

Boss Ross Jenkins demanded more energy and his side responded after the break with Tom Scott  going close and visiting keeper Johnny Maxted making an excellent save from a Josh Parker header as the Hoops created chances for the first time. The danger of conceding a second goal remained, McKenzie Lyle making two or three further  saves as the game became more end to end, but City  pressed and pressed and in the end were unfortunate to concede a second in the last minute when Mckenzie Lyle hauled ROberts over and Byrne clipped the penalty down the middle to make it 2-0.

A tough, battling performance  and plenty of positives despite th3e scoreline. Let's dee how we go in the FA Trophy nnext up on Saturday...

Att: 958

CITY

McKenzie-Lyle, Drewe, Jones, Croker, Coyle, Carbon, Ashby, Fleet, Scott (Andrews 67), McEachran, Parker,

Subs

Burley, Ezennolim, Kpekwa, Potter

Report by Chris Williams, pictures Simon Godfrey