Oxford City continued their pre-season preparations with another important ninety minutes against Enterprise National League South side Chesham United.

On the day, a Nathan Minhas penalty split the teams just moments after the Hoops were denied a spot kick of their own.

However, most importantly, Ross Jenkins had the chance to learn more about his squad with senior players and trialists alike having crucial minutes on the pitch to gel.

After just four minutes the net should’ve bulged. The Trialist goalkeeper for City did tremendously well to deny a long range effort before the hosts blasted a rebound over the bar when it was harder to miss. 

Despite that, city fought back and gained a foothold in the game. In the absence of Josh Ashby, Josh McConnell did a stellar job of replacing city’s captain. 

The first-half hinged on a two minute period before the break. At one end, Alfie Potter was upended inside the box and nothing was given. 

Then, after the ball fluttered around in the midfield, Nathan Minhas burst through on goal and was tripped by City’s Trialist centre-half. 

That time there was no question about the decision. A penalty was given and Minhas tucked away the penalty himself. 

City’s Trialist Goalkeeper was kept busy towards the end of the half too. He made a smart save to deny Chesham, but again the follow up was blazed onto the crossbar and over. 

Half-time: Chesham 1-0 Oxford City

The second-half was a gritty affair, and in truth there’s not too much to write home about. 

Again, City shaded proceedings but found it difficult to turn the majority of possession into clear-cut chances. 

The best opportunity fell to the Hoops when Jack Bearne’s free-kick found its way into the box, but City couldn’t instigate a way through.

Josh Parker’s free-kick may not have been close to finding the target when it was blazed over the crossbar from 25-yards out, but the fact we’re including this as a chance gives you an indication of how the second-half played out. 

Next up, the final dress rehearsal before the big kick-off - Maidenhead United.

Starting XI: Trialist A, Roddy, B, McConnell, McEachran, C, Parker, Scott (Daniel 77'), Potter (F 72'), Bearne, D (E 54')

Subs: Daniel, Treml