Darnell Johnson’s last-gasp header earns City all three points as they climb out of the relegation zone. 

Ewan Clark opened the scoring for The Hoops as the home side started brightly. DJ Sturridge played Clark through for a one-on-one. Joe Young came rushing out but Clark lifted the ball delicately over the Buxton keeper. 

George Ward brought the visitors back into the contest right at the end with a well guided header past the returning Sam Lewis but ultimately Johnson’s header gave City the three points they deserved. 

The first chance of the game fell to Josh Parker. Burroughs’ delivery into the box evaded everyone and fell to Parker five yards from goal but Young did well to smother the shot and deny City an early lead. 

City started the brighter of the two sides and dominated early possession and were particularly efficient with it. McEachran was afforded a half chance but Young did well again to stick a leg out, the follow-up from Roddy was straight at the away side’s keeper. 

Just before the half hour mark, thee deadlock was broken. City’s front three linked up beautifully and Clark was released on goal. As Young rushed out, Clark dinked the ball over the keeper and wheeled away as it hit the side netting. 

Roddy had another brilliant chance to double The Hoops’ lead but Young made another solid save to thwart City. 

Sturridge and Clark caused Buxton’s backline serious problems on the counter and City looked back to their best, something we hadn’t seen since the Darlington drumming. 

Half Time: Oxford City 1-0 Buxton

The second half was almost a complete opposite from the first. 

The introduction of Tai Sodje from the bench changed the complexion of the game and he gave the visitors an outlet up the pitch. 

Buxton showed the crowd why they were pushing for the playoff positions. City struggled during the first fifteen minutes to get on the ball and Buxton sent plenty of balls into the box. Sam Lewis and City’s defence were up to the test. 

Sodje came so close to equalising for The Bucks has he rifled a shot into Lewis’ upright. The scramble was cleared by Darnell Johnson. 

It was backs against the walls for City who defended with everything they had, threw their bodies in front of the Buxton onslaught and remained steadfast. 

Johnson again came to the Hoops’ rescue as he threw himself in front of a McLean shot after covering 30 yards. That was the story of the second half for City. 

With minutes left on the clock, McLean whipped in a corner, Burton met it at the back post and nodded it inches wide of the post. Another sigh of relief for Hoops fans who had their hearts in their mouths. 

As the game entered injury time, chaos descended on The MGroup Stadium. 

Brennan swung a delightful ball into the box and found George Ward’s head. Lewis was at full stretch but couldn’t keep it out. One all with minutes left in the game. 

Then, it was City’s turn. Ashby swung a delicious ball in behind the Buxton line, Johnson nipped in front of Young and headed home. The crowd erupted and Johnson was mobbed in the net by his teammates. 

A crazy finish to the game but one that City fully deserved. They were fantastic in the first half and defended with everything they had in the second. 

Full Time: Oxford City 2-1 Buxton 

Oxford City 

Lewis, Roddy (Wilson 70’), Ashby (C), Johnson, Ellis (Humphrey-Ewers 75’), McEachran, Sturridge (Westendorf 87’), Wiggett, Parker (Potter 90+1), Clark, Burroughs

Unused Subs: 

Treml, Harper-Bailey, Maragh