Oxford City’s Vanarama Conference North play-off ambitions were dented as they slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

Alejandro-Adrian Santiago gave City an early lead, but the lacklustre hosts were unable to press on and were undone by scrappy goals from Craig King and Richard Marshall.

Despite a poor opening, it was City who went in front in the 12th minute when a corner was nodded into the path of Santiago, who turned and fired past Bradford keeper John Danby.

But City’s early advantage was ultimately to count for little as they were unable to impose themselves on the match and became immersed in a battle.

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Their lead lasted just six minutes, with King blasting in an equaliser after City keeper Salva de la Cruz had pushed an Alex Pursehouse shot into his path.

Danby kept the two sides level shortly afterwards, reacting quickly to tip away a low free-kick from Tom Winters which had squeezed beneath the Bradford wall.

He also kept out a deflected shot from Adi Yussuf to ensure the sides went into the break on level terms.

The visitors increasingly established a stranglehold after the break as they stifled City’s attempts to break them down and forced opportunities of their own.

Salva was forced into a save early in the second half when a lofted free-kick was headed on to Paul Walker in front of goal, but two minutes later he was beaten for a second time.

City failed to effectively clear a corner and when the ball came back in Marshall was on hand at the front post to guide it home.

The hosts found it increasingly difficult to break down a well-organised visiting defence as they were restricted to a handful of chances for a leveller of their own.

Marlon Jackson could only find the roof of the net with an ambitious long-distance attempt, and Ander Del Alamo also shot narrowly wide after a long free-kick had been nodded down to him.

Yussuf had one final opportunity for glory in injury time, dodging a mistimed tackle inside the box before striking.

But again Danby refused to be beaten, getting down well to block his effort and prevent City from claiming a point.

Oxford City: Salva, Benjamin (Henderson 89), Stonehouse, Del Alamo (Wilson 65), Lapoujade, Santiago, Barcelos (Murombedzi 65), Fofana, Yussuf, Jackson, Winters. Sub not used: Scott.

Referee: S Plane.

Attendance: 325.