OXFORD City's Justin Merritt was the happier of the two managers as his side stretched their unbeaten run to three games at Didcot Town's npower Loop Meadow Stadium yesterday.

o The goalless encounter, Didcot's third draw in four games, was a blow to their British Gas Southern League Division 1 South & West play-off hopes.

But it could have so much worse had Alex Deadman, who was outstanding in the home goal, not made a super stop from the impressive Billy Beechers in the final minutes.

But defeat would have been unfair on Didcot after a much-improved second-half display.

City started well, with a Beechers effort deflected over the bar, before they suffered a blow on 11 minutes when defender Omar Takriti broke an arm.

Didcot's Andy Parrott headed straight at Keiron Drake, before Stuart Beavon, who was a danger throughout, went close.

Beechers fired horribly wide for the visitors, before Didcot's Paul Powell's control let him down after Beavon put him through.

Late in the first half, Deadman twice denied Beechers, blocking his first effort, before tipping away a fizzing 25-yard drive.

After the break, Anthony Alleyne, who worked well with Beechers, went close for City.

Deadman pushed Lee Rendell's free-kick over the bar, while Drake kept out a shot from Beavon and minutes later, blocked a goalbound Jamie Brooks shot with his legs.

On 71 minutes, Didcot's Matty Jack went down in the area after a challenge by Lewis Craker, but the referee waved away their penalty appeal.

Beavon went close with a brilliant 25-yard free-kick, before Jack King's pile-driver came back off the bar.

Parrott twice fired over from close range as Didcot pressed for a winner, before it was left to Deadman to ensure Beechers did not have the last word.

Didcot Tn: Deadman, Goodall, (Learoyd 42), Jack, Heapy, Bedwell, Parrott, Hanningan (Wickens 61), King, J Brooks, Beavon, Powell (R Brooks 87). Subs not used: Weatherstone, Concannon.

Oxford C: Drake, Durrant, Rendell, Avery, Craker, Takriti (Lane 11), Jones (Keen 67), Merritt (Ford 75), Alleyne, Beechers, Malone. Subs not used: Stewart, Burnley.

Attendance:361.