Greg Williams hit a late equaliser at Windmill Stadium yesterday to salvage an important point for Thame United and keep their promotion hopes bubbling in Ryman League Division 1.

Thame United striker Jefferson Louis and Oxford City defender Julian Dark battle it out during yesterday's 1-1 draw

Oxford City looked as if they were set to deal their local rivals a major blow in their bid to reach the top flight.

But Williams came to the rescue in the 81st minute. Jefferson Louis's free-kick took a deflection off the City wall and after Alan Foster had done well to block from Mark West, the ball broke to Williams who turned it into the far corner.

The point keeps Thame in second spot. But with five of their last six games away from home, and with goalkeeper Ian Moores unavailable for two weeks starting with tomorrow's trip to rivals Braintree Town, United look to be a shade of odds against to make the Premier Division.

Mid-table City had taken the lead in controversial fashion. There looked to be minimal contact as Dwaine Strong went crashing to the ground under challenge from Martin Brown in the 22nd minute, but referee Graham Horwood had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Moores made an excellent save, diving to his right to parry Shaun Wimble's spot-kick, but the City midfielder slammed home the rebound.

City had what looked a stronger penalty claim turned down earlier when Andy Smith's close range shot struck a Thame defender's hand on the line.

An open first half also saw Chris Fontaine and John Mitchel have shots cleared off the line for Thame, while Strong could have wrapped it up for City after the break when he burst through only to shoot tamely at Moores.

Thame Utd: Moores, Avery (Perna 87), Lee (Potter 75), Brown, A Williams, Jones (West 30), Merritt, Fontaine, Louis, Mitchell, G Williams.

Oxford City: Foster, Ferreira, Dark, Peirson, Thorp, Smith, Lewis, Whitehead, Druce, Strong (Sweeney 73), Wimble. Subs not used: Emsden, Hayward.

Referee: G Horwood.

Attendance: 315.

SUBURBAN LEAGUE

Premier Division: Chertsey Res 1 (Hamp og), Thame Res 3 (og, Hamp, Searl); Oxford City Res 1 (McMahon), Hendon Res 1.