FOOTBALL: City slip up in promotion challenge (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: City slip up in promotion challenge

10:10am Tuesday 24th April 2012 in Evo-Stick Southern Premier Table & Results

Oxford City slipped out of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division play-off places with a 2-0 defeat at relegation candidates Hemel Hempstead Town last night.

However, City’s fate remains in their own hands as they have a game in hand – tomorrow at Frome Town – on their rivals.

City’s trip to Hemel had already been postponed twice, and another pitch inspection was needed before the game could finally take place.

And it was the hosts who adapted better to a rain-sodden, but playable surface.

City keeper Jason Mooney was tested early on by Marquin Smith as he pushed away his effort for a corner.

Hemel’s Danny May then tried two long-range shots, but was off target.

However, City fell behind three minutes before the break when Mooney was unable to hold Dave Pearce’s cross and Ross Lafayette fired home the loose ball.

In the second half, City showed a bit more determination, but failed to create any worthwhile chances.

And on 76 minutes, the Tudors doubled their advantage when Lafayette capitalised on slack marking in the City area to bury his second.

It capped a disappointing performance by City, who now face a nerve-jangling final two matches.

THIS WEEK’S KEY MATCHES

Tomorrow: Frome Tn v Oxford City.

Saturday: AFC Totton v Bedford, Cambridge City v Swindon Supermarine, Frome Tn v Stourbridge, Hitchin Tn v Oxford City, Leamington v Chesham Utd.