OXFORD City hit back in style when putting together a fine display to beat Chelmsford City 2-0, writes RYAN BRATLEY.

A week after a disappointing 5-0 defeat at home to Hampton & Richmond Borough, goals from Ezra Forde and Godfrey Poku capped off a much-improved performance at Marsh Lane.

City were quick out of the blocks in the Vanarama National League South clash, taking the lead on nine minutes.

Jefferson Louis flicked the ball into the path of Forde, who lobbed goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons from a tight angle.

The visitors tried to respond on 18 minutes, but City keeper Craig Hill saved Louis Theophanous’s effort.

City opened up their visitors again towards the end of the half as Forde’s flick-on found Louis and the experienced striker unleashed a near post drive which went narrowly wide.

Despite not doubling their tally, Mark Jones’s side were good value for their lead at the break, while a back five had restricted Chelmsford’s chances.

The visitors’ best opportunity arrived on 56 minutes, though, when Robbie Willmott’s cross found Chris Dickinson at the far post, but his effort sailed wide.

City responded as Louis tested Fitzsimons, before Lee Henderson headed a Scott Davies corner over.

Chelmsford were reduced to ten men with five minutes remaining when Josh Rees was shown a second yellow card.

And City wrapped the game up on 90 minutes as Poku’s effort found its way into the far corner.

Oxford City: Hill, Poku, Grant, Demuria, Henderson, Niate, Fleet, Davies, Louis, Anderson, Forde.

Subs not used: Essuman, Carvalho, Peake-Pijnen, Daramola, Furlong.

Attendance: 361.