Oxford City took another big step towards safety this afternoon when a Zac McEachran goal earned them a 1-0 win over Radcliffe at the MGroup Stadium.

McEachran's goal early in the second half decided a close game between two sides locked together at the wrong end of the National League North table who showed total commitment throughout a tense 90 minutes

The game started at a frantic pace  which never really dropped with Lewis Coyle and Canice Carroll both going close for City and the outstanding Laurie Walker having to punch a couple of dangerous set pieces clear as the well organised visitors same increasingly into the game.

The Hoops keeper made a good save from Danny Greenfield but City kept finding space in the final third without ever quite picking out the right final pass until seven minutes into the second half when McEachran ghosted into the area, like he does, killed a tricky ball first time, like he does, and powered his shot beneath the sprawling keeper to give his side a vital 1-0 lead.

They then poured forward in the hunt for a second to kill the game off but Radcliffe continued to create chances with Greenfield dragging an effort narrowly wide and the stubborn City defence having to work hard for their clean sheet.

Walker made two good saves and the tension rose by the minute with both sides knowing how close the table is. There then followed the save of the season as Walker somehow pushed a downwards header away, a brilliant save. The one he made with the last touch of the game was merely stunning

Full credit to the City players who have turned things round in impressive style since the low point of a 7-0 defeat a month ago that focused their minds on the job in hand.

That job is not complete yet but three more points at least  give them a little breathing room

CITY 

Walker, Drewe, Croker, Carroll, Ezennolim (Jones 90), Coyle, Ashby, Scott, McEachran (Potter 82), Carbon (Fleet 75), Parker

Subs

Andrews,  Willcox

Att:558

Report by Chris Williams, pictures Steve Daniels and Simon Godfrey