Oxford City were forced to settle for a point at play-off chasing Chorley, after the Hoops drew 3-3 in Enterprise National League North.

A double from Tom Scott and a header from Darnell Johnson wasn’t enough, as Adam Henley’s 90^th minute leveler broke Oxford City hearts at the death.

To put it bluntly, the first-half from The Hoops was superb.

Ross Jenkins’ side had to suck up early pressure from the host’s, but executed their game plan to a tee.

The Hoops took the lead on sixteen minutes after Josh Parker found Tom Scott on the edge of the area, whose shot from the edge of the box deflected past Chorley Goalkeeper Matt Urwin.

It should’ve been 2-0 just minutes later after Josh Parker beat the offside trap to burst through on goal, but he couldn’t quite find the angle for the shot when 1v1 with Urwin.

However, it was two just before the first-half. Josh Ashby’s free-kick was inch-perfect for Darnell Johnson, who headed into the corner inside a crowded box.

Half-Time: Chorley 0-2 Oxford City

The expected Chorley fight-back came instantly after the interval, with Chorley boss Andy Preece making two changes at the break to turn the tide.

It did though, and after a scrappy corner, Harry Ibbitson got the final touch inside the six-yard box to bring the host’s back into the game.

However, City weren’t to be dismayed, and Scott added a second on the counter just minutes after. Jacob Roddy’s bursting run ended with a superb cross into the box to find the in-form midfielder who supplied the deftest of touch to tap home.

Nevertheless, a game that never seemed to die down turned again. Josh Parker’s pull-back on Mark Ellis was spotted by referee Jack Churchill, and Craig Hewitt pulled the scores back again.

The Hoops worked tirelessly throughout the ninety, and Ross Jenkins’ walking wounded gave everything for the cause. However, when it rains – it pours – and Chorley snatched a heart-breaking equalizer at the death.

Adam Henley’s tight finish at the back-post left Sam Lewis with no chance to break City hearts.

Still though, The Hoops pushed forward, and almost nicked it at the death again. Scott almost grabbing a superb hat-trick from the edge of the box at the very end.

It wasn’t to be. For the players, travelling fans and management staff, it’ll feel like a defeat. However, when the dust settles, there will be plenty of positives for City as they dissect and analyse the game.

Dissapointing… Yes. But City end a run of four defeats with a point at a promotion-chasing Chorley. It may take some convincing right now, but it may prove to be an important point.

ATT: 1,440

Oxford City Starting XI: Lewis, Roddy, Ashby ©, Johnson, Campton-Sturridge (Wilson 88’), Wiggett, Parker (Westendorf 73’), Scott, Clark, Burroughs, Humphrey-Ewers

Subs not used: Treml, Maragh, Daniel, McConnell, Bitencourt De Oliviera