OXFORD City started their Vanarama National League South season with an uninspiring 3-2 home defeat at the hands of St Albans City on Saturday, writes RYAN BRATLEY

The game turned on two strikes – one either side of half time – as the visitors came from a goal down to take control of the

match.

City saw an early penalty shout waved away by the referee.

But this was soon forgotten as Matt Paterson took advantage of Tom Bender’s missed header, stealing in to loft a cool finish into the net to put City ahead after 24 minutes.

The hosts could not, however, hold on to their advantage until the break.

Solomon Sambou found Shaun Lucien in space on the left-hand side of the area and the young forward slotted a composed finish beyond Craig Hill to level to scores in first-half stoppage time.

The Saints carried their momentum straight into the second period, taking the lead within a minute of the restart.

A heavy challenge dispossessed Godfrey Poku on the right side of defence, allowing Kieran Monlouis to find Sambou, who found the top corner from the edge of the area.

City struggled to work their way back into the game and rode their luck in defence.

The visitors made the game safe with five minutes left as the hosts once again lost the ball in defence, allowing Sam Merson to power home.

While David Pearce was able to add a consolation for City with the last meaningful kick of the game, he could not stop the three points heading back to Hertfordshire.

Oxford City: Hill, Poku (Henderson 87), Grant, Oastler, Jones, Demuria, Hirst, Fleet, Paterson, McEachran (Fassanmade 87), Forde (Pearce 55).

Subs not used: Ngathe, Tutton.

Attendance: 283.

JACK Dunmall scored twice as Wantage Town won 3-1 away to Lydney Town in the extra preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Steve Robertson gave the Hellenic League visitors a fifth-minute lead before goals from Dunmall in the 17th and 85th minutes sealed the victory and a preliminary round tie away to Kidlington on Saturday, August 19.

Ardley United lost 3-1 to Spartan South Midlands League side Baldock Town, their goal coming from Billy Gillett in the 61st minute.