AN understrength Oxford City slipped to a 3-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Colwyn Bay in Blue Square Bet North last night.

City, who gave a debut to keeper Juanin Martin in place of the injured Nick Townsend, could manage only a consolation effort from substitute Mark Bell on 76 minutes.

Colwyn took the lead through Shelton Payne on five minutes and the same player made it 2-0 after a 53rd-minute breakaway.

The hosts wrapped up the points with a goal from Rob Hopley five minutes later.

Zac McEachran headed over for the visitors from fellow substitute Jamie Cook’s cross before Bell pulled one back.

City will be without Andy Ballard for tomorrow’s trip to Droylsden as he starts the first of a three-match ban.

Oxford City: Martin, Benjamin, Stonehouse, Pond, Gunn, Learoyd, Barcelos, McNish, Joyce (Bell 56), Basham (Cook 63), Stanley (McEachran 66). Subs not used: Willmott, Barney.

Attendance: 303. Referee: R Johnson.

  • IN yesterday’s story about City’s new president, Thomas Anthony Guerriero, our caption incorrectly stated he was pictured with the club’s managing director Colin Taylor. It was actually Oxford City chairman Brian Cox.

We apologise for the error.