OXFORD City, boosted by their giant-killing act over Colchester United in the FA Cup, gained a stunning 2-1 victory away to Chelmsford City on Saturday, writes RYAN BRATLEY.

Mark Jones’s side, struggling in the relegation zone, secured a shock success against their promotion-chasing opponents – their first win in Vanarama National League South since August 15.

Goals from Dave Pearce and Godfrey Poku set the scene for a second half in which City once again defended resolutely to keep their opponents at bay.

The hosts could have led within five minutes when a long goal-kick found Thomas Hitchcock, but keeper Jack Stevens raced off his line to save.

It was, however, City who made the breakthrough after 13 minutes.

Matt Paterson, who scored the winner in the 1-0 win at Colchester the previous week, turned provider with a low cross which Pearce slotted into the bottom corner.

The visitors, who restricted Chelmsford to wild efforts from long-range, were dealt a blow when captain Lee Henderson was forced off with an injury.

But they went close to doubling their lead as Rob Sinclair’s cute backheel almost saw Pearce through on goal, while Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain shot into the side-netting.

City struck again in the 54th minute.

A poor cross from Chelmsford’s Scott Davies was snuffed out by Paterson, the resulting break seeing Sinclair square for Poku to finish.

It could have been 3-0 two minutes later, but Pearce headed Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross narrowly wide.

The hosts got back into the game with 25 minutes remaining, Max Porter volleying home from a corner.

Refreshed by their goal, the home side went on the prowl for an equaliser, Michael West’s free-kick forcing a good save from Stevens.

A string of late corners looked like stripping City of two points, but last-ditch defending saw them survive three intense goalmouth scrambles.

Victory sees City leapfrog Bognor Regis Town to move 20th in the table, just a single point behind Concord Rangers with two games in hand.

Oxford City: Stevens, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Grant, Fofana, Henderson (Navarro 27), Oastler, McEachran, Poku, Paterson (Hirst 90), Sinclair, Pearce (Jones 71).

Subs not used: Forde, Tutton

Attendance: 977.