OXFORD Saints suffered their fourth defeat in five games as they fell to a 36-17 defeat at home to Portsmouth Dreadnoughts.

The defeat leaves the Tilsley Park-based side second bottom in BAFA SFC 1 Central.

Saints fell behind early on when they gave up the ball on their opening drive and the visitors continued to punish the home side to lead 24-3 at half-time.

Kicker Charlie Hill ensured the home side got on the scoreboard.

Oxford rallied in the second half, thanks to touchdowns from captain Tony Glover and defensive back Sam Crowther.

But any hopes of a dramatic comeback were quashed when Portsmouth reasserted their control.

Saints are next in action on Sunday when they travel to Hertfordshire Cheetahs.