Oxford City 1

(Barcelos 15)

Vauxhall Motors 1

(Nicholas 1)

Ten-man Oxford City battled their way to a point against Vauxhall Motors in Blue Square Bet North at Marsh Lane on Saturday after Declan Benjamin was sent off early in the second half.

Benjamin saw red for a rash challenge on Louis Barnes three minutes after the break.

Motors, with the extra man, put City under pressure, but the hosts held firm.

And they had fortune on their side late on when Chris Noone’s strike for the visitors came back off the crossbar.

City had fallen behind in the first minute when they failed to deal with Barnes’s throw-in into the penalty area.

Adam Learoyd’s headed clearance only went as far as Andy Nicholas, who, unchallenged, headed beyond the reach of keeper Matt Ingram. Obi Anuruo could have increased Motors’ lead, but Ingram was on hand to thwart him.

However, City equalised in the 15th minute. Benjamin sent over a pass to Felipe Barcelos, who hit a splendid shot from 20 yards into the far corner, giving keeper Zac Jones no chance.

Motors were giving City a few anxious moments and could easily have gone back in front only for their finishing to let them down.

Nick Stanley fired an effort just wide, before sending over a centre, which just evaded his teammates.

Chris Willmott was then robbed by Craig Mahon, but the Motors man failed to capitalize on the error.

In the second half, Jones prevented Barcelos from giving City the lead when the striker raced in on goal.

But after Benjamin’s dismissal, City were left to fight a rearguard action to secure a point, which sees them now stand in eighth spot.

Oxford City: Ingram, Mills, Stonehouse, Ballard, Learoyd, Willmott, Stanley (Malone 53), Pond, Holgate (Mulvany 76), Benjamin, Barcelos (Janes 82). Subs not used: Gunn, McEachran.

Referee: N Hair.

Attendance: 183.