Match Report by Allan Mitchell
Hemel Hempstead Town 0 Oxford City 3 (Parker 9, 94, Ashby 58)
There was a feeling amongst the Tudors faithful that this was going to a tricky fixture and so it proved as they were very much second best against an ‘in form’ Oxford side.
City got off to the perfect start after 9 minutes when Josh Parker tucked home from close range after a good run and cross by Will Dawes.
Hemel’s first chance came from a George Williams free kick in the 18th minute that crashed off the crossbar. Williams had another chance with another free kick on the edge of the box but it hit the wall. Moments later Nana Owusu saw his shot deflect just wide as Hemel pressed for an equaliser.
City could have gone further in front when Josh Ashby headed wide when well placed just before the break.
City made a decent start to the second half, Josh Parker bringing a good save out of King on 47 mins.
There was a huge let off for Oxford couple of minutes later when a free kick for Hemel was met by an unmarked Josh Hill who headed wide from six yards out and he will feel he should have levelled the scores.
City’s Lewis Miccio then saw his header cleared off the line as the game opened up. Josh Ashby scored the second goal Oxford had threatened when he broke into the box and slotted home from the angle on 58 mins.
There was only going to be one winner now with City controlling the game as the clock ticked down. Josh Parker almost made it three in the final minute but King saved well but he made up for it in the 94th slamming home from close range.
So two defeats on the bounce but more worryingly no goals in three that all but ends any play off aspirations for Hemel and they face another side who are very much in the promotion mix, Braintree Town at Vauxhall Road on Tuesday evening. Manager Brad Quinton will be hoping for a positive response from his players in the remaining fixtures.
Hemel: King McKenzie Roberts Hill Westbrook (Ryan Case 66) Ajayi G Williams (Mukendi 66) Brown Castiglione Owusu Holness (Charlie Hughes 45) Subs not used: Elias Grant, Arnos Lala.
Attendance 462 Tudors man of the match - Craig King
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