Oxford City's recent revival was dented this evening at the MGroup Stadium as visitors Alfreton came back from a goal down at half time to win 2-1 in the Vanarama National League North.

A goal up through Josh Parker, City were undone by second half goals from Adam Anson and Jake Day aa 408 fans braved a biting winter's evening.

City , still without absent players due to international call ups, made light of that situation by taking the lead inside ten minutes when Parker took advantage of some ponderous defending to steal the ball, round the keeper and make it 1-0 with his fourth league goal of the season.

Captain Reece Fleet went close with a rising drive from the edge of the area , Zac McEachran had a back post header blocked from an Alfie Potter cross while debutant Jonathan Macaulay, signed on youth loan from Watford just before kick off, had time to read his programme and learn everyone’s names in a leisurely first half in which he was rarely called into action.

However, Alfreton’s height and power was obvious and after the break it was a different story they began to pin City back with sub Day the focal point and a flurry of set pieces and long throws raining into the City box.

After 63 minutes Alfreton were level when giant centre-half Anson powered a header past the helpless Macaulay, then two minutes later it was Day's turn to turn the ball home after City’s creaking defence was overpowered once again.

The Hoops strived to find a way back into it, sticking to their passing game but frustratingly unable to create a clear chance until sub Corie Andrew ran clear in the 90th minute but fired a foot the wrong side of the post to end any hopes of a comeback.

City are on the right tracks, no doubt. There will inevitably be setbacks, it's all about how they bounce back at Buxton on Saturday.

CITY

MacAulay, Drewe, Ashby, Coyle, McEachran (Andrews 63), Parker, Potter (Scott 46), Croker, Carbon (Walsh 89), Roddy, Drewe

SUBS
Ezennolim, Stirland

Att: 408

Report by Chris Williams, pictures by Simon Godfrey