OXFORD City fell to a 2-1 defeat at Chelmsford City in Saturday’s Vanarama National League South clash.

Mark Jones’s side had frustrated their hosts in a goalless opening period, but eventually only had Kyran Wiltshire’s last-minute strike to show for their efforts.

Chelmsford, who look booked for a play-off place, started brightly and almost took the lead in the fifth minute, but away goalkeeper Craig King made a good save to keep out Billy Knott’s free-kick.

The City stopper was forced into action six minutes later too.

Rhys Murphy found himself in space and attempted a lob, but King got back and was able to comfortably claim the ball.

City were clinging on, Murphy then hitting the bar as the hosts came even closer to a breakthrough.

The visitors made it through to half-time on level terms, but two minutes after the restart fell behind.

City gave away possession cheaply and Knott played in Murphy, the Chelmsford striker rifling a fierce effort into the roof of the net.

They doubled their lead 15 minutes later.

When a free-kick was not cleared properly, Mickey Spillane controlled the ball well and fired past a helpless King to make it 2-0.

Bobson Bawling and Owen James came off the City bench in a bid to find a way back into the game.

But they almost conceded a third, good work from Tarik Moore-Azille denying Chelmsford a clear sight of goal.

City had created little of note, but did pull a goal back deep into stoppage time.

Wiltshire’s shot took a

deflection on its way into the net, and although it was originally disallowed for offside, was eventually allowed to stand.

But it proved to be the final passage of play as Chelmsford comfortably saw out the remaining seconds to inflict defeat on City, who stay in 13th place.

Oxford City: King, Jones, Case (Jones 67), Ashby, Moore-Azille, Oastler, Wiltshire, Fleet, Tshimanga, Thomas-Asante, Self (Bawling 67). Subs not used: Caro, O’Donoghue.