Oxford City's hearts were broken by The Cards this afternoon as an injury time equaliser and a penalty shoot out win saw Woking reach the semi final of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Trailing to an early strike from Inih Effiong City struck back through Zac McEachran and a first goal from loanee Freddy Willcox, but a late late equaliser from Effiong forced a shoot out and keeper Will Jaaskelainen stepped up to win it for Neal Ardley's side.

In an incredible game full of incident City should have probably been ahead after seven minutes when a superb passing move allowed Alfie Potter to cross for Tom Scott who was only able to guide his effort into the waiting gloves of Cards keeper Jaaskelainen, but a minute later they were the architects of their own downfall when they gave the ball away cheaply and Harry Beautyman’s low drive was saved by Kai McKenzie-Lyle but only as far as Effiong who poked home the opener.

Ross Jenkins' side could have been excused for feeling sorry for themselves but instead used that moment as motivation and were heroic..

Josh Parker- back in attack in place of Jayden Carbon, had a drive blocked and only a superb challenge from giant defender Jokubas Mazionis denied McEachran as The Hoops started to apply pressure.

The players deserve massive credit for their reaction and on 24 minutes they were deservedly back on level terms through the talismanic McEachran. The highlights may not show it but if you could rewind to the very start of the move it would show Willcox powering through a challenge to win the ball and set his team forward. The cards folded and McEachran let fly from 25 yards for a magnificent equaliser.

It got better five minutes later. Josh Ashby whipped in a wicked free kick and Willcox got a crucial touch to send it past Jaaskelainen before I could spell it and into the far corner to make it 2-1 amid incredible scenes at the MGroup Stadium.

They might have been further ahead before the break- Burley blasted against the bar when clean through and Ashby went close as City dominated their higher league opponents for 45 minutes. In the cold light of day City will rue those moments.

They continued to match the visitors throughout the next 45 minutes, Parker leading the Cards defence a merry dance and the unplayable McEachran picking holes as space started to open up. There were appeals for a penalty as Alfie Potter was bundled over and there were brave blocks when needed at the other end.

Then it started tio get nervy. Woking threw men forward but hadn't truly tested McKenzie-Lyle until in injury time a free kick to the back post reached Effiong who bundled the ball through a sea of bodies to cruelly make it 2-2 and send an incredible game into a penalty shoot out.

Ashby scored, Beautyman levelled. Coyle saw his effort saved, Effiong saw his saved by McKenzie-Lyle. Corie Andrews missed the target, namesake Jamie Andrews saw his effort saved. 1-1 after three each. Tom Scott  couldn't beat the keeper , Evans missed. Still 1-1 after 4 each!!

Rohan Vaughan couldn't find the bet either and Jaaskelainen thumped home to win it for Woking

Cruel.

CITY

McKenzie-Lyle, Drewe, Burley, Jones, Willcox, Coyle, McEachran (Vaughan 90), Ashby, Scott, Potter (Andrews 90), Parker (Carbon 85)

SUBS

Harvey, Croker, Roddy, Putman

Att: 1,538

Report by Chris Williams, pictures Simon Godfrey