Oxford City is took a monumental leap to securing safety in Enterprise National League North, after coming from behind to beat Hereford 2-1 at Edgar Street. 

George Munday had given the hosts the lead early on with a smart finish to send the hosts’ supporters wild. 

However, after City came out a different side in the second-half the contest changed completely. 

Harrison Sohna was shown a red card for hauling down Zac McEachran, before City made the extra man count with goals from Matty Taylor and a 87th minute Canice Carroll header.

Due to illness, Ross Jenkins couldn’t make it to Hereford, so Andy Ballard, Paul Robinson and Jordan Piper stepped into the dugout. 

Zac McEachran made his 366th appearance for the club, which took him to the tenth in the list of the club’s all-time appearance holders.

They made one change from the side that drew at Alfreton on Saturday. George Burroughs replaced the injured Byron Wilson. 

However, the game got off to the worst possible start as Hereford dominated the first-half. Munday grabbed the first goal with a very good finish.

He turned inside the area and created the space to drill the ball under Max Metcalfe and send the Hereford fans into delight. 

In truth, City couldn’t deal with the Bulls as the hosts came close on numerous occasions from corners. However, by hook or by crook City stayed in the game.

Evan Humphries took centre-stage with a simply stunning goal-line clearance to deny Cormac Daly a second.

Half Time: Hereford 1-0 Oxford City

Whatever was said at the interval worked, as City came flying out of the blocks.

The game changed in just a matter of moments. Harrison Sohna, just a few moments after getting booked had no choice but to haul down Zac McEachran whilst he ran through on goal.

In truth, Sohna was lucky not to be shown a straight red card, but a second-yellow and an early bath would suffice for City who were handed a lifeline for their positive start.

The resulting free-kick drifted inches wide of the post from Josh Ashby, as the Hoops started to sense blood.

The goal eventually came through Taylor, who did what he’s been doing throughout his entire career. 

Substitute Isaac Westendorf was a handful all game long, and did enough to hold off his defender and help the ball to his strike partner. 

Taylor did the honours, stroking home his second City goal from inside the box. 1-1.

Unlike Alfreton, a good surface and an opponent who tried to play on the floor suited City and they drove forward in droves.

However, all attacks were repelled by a Hereford side who were simply desperate for a result. 

Until the 87th minute… 

The pressure finally paid. After a corner, Burroughs’ cross was pin-point for Canice Carroll whose deft header bounced into the net (almost in slow motion). 

Cue pandemonium on the pitch and in the away end, as the small contingent of travelling fans went daft! Carroll headed off to celebrate with them too.

After going behind, finally the switch in momentum swung in the host’s favour.

Some barmy refereeing decisions could’ve made it easier for City though. Hereford were lucky to have 10-men on the pitch still when Westendorf was hauled down by the last-man, but somehow the referee waved away protests.

As he did in the 90+6th minute of seven added, when Burroughs was dragged down and held down, only to see the referee give the decision the other way.

City defended their lines though, and expertly saw out the biggest win of their season and an extension to their remarkable unbeaten run. 

EIGHT games unbeaten. Only three of which ended with draws. A result that puts City in the driving seat when it comes to surviving in the National League North.

Just a month ago, you’d have said survival would’ve been a mountain to climb… Well, call Ross Jenkins Edmund Hillary. The team are almost there. 

Two to go…