Oxford City were left frustrated as yet another Rio Clegg strike scarpered their hopes of a first away win, The Hoops lost 1-0 on the road to playoff chasing Radcliffe.

Manager Ross Jenkins made a few changes going into the game as O'Shea Ellis and Zac McEachran were ruled out through injury, while Bearne, Parker and Humphrey-Ewers were brought back in to the starting lineup.

It was a frantic start to the game with both sides looking to flood men forward. Both sides found it equally challenging to break down the opposition, something that would remain a theme throughout the fixture.

The home side came close to opening the scoring inside the first ten minutes after Maxted failed to punch the corner clear and the proceeding goal mouth scramble almost ended up in the back of City's net.

The Hoops settled into the game after that and retained possession well. They built phases patiently but struggled to challenge Mateusz Hewelt in the Radcliffe goal.

The hosts took the lead after 23 minutes. City gave the ball away cheaply and within three passes the home team were inside The Hoops box. Hulme pulled it back for the onrushing Clegg who poked it past Maxted.

After the goal, neither side forced the goalkeepers into strenuous work. Maxted make a couple of straightforward saves. City retained possession and looked for a way through a well-drilled and organised Radcliffe side, but it never came.

Half Time: Radcliffe 1-0 Oxford City

The big talking point from the second half came within minutes of the whistle.

Ashby carried the ball at the Radcliffe backline. He broke into the box and was bundled over by Kian Scales from behind. Despite the Oxford City protests from players and the bench, referee Scott Henry waved it away.

Jonny Maxted was called into action minutes later as he tipped over a well struck Rio Clegg shot.

George Burroughs later came to the City rescue as he launched himself in front of a Jordan Hulme close range effort that surely denied the home side a second goal.

From there on, City struggled to break down Radcliffe and the hosts were professional in seeing out the game.

In the dying minutes of the game, Ewan Clark crossed it in and DJ Sturridge's unmarked header was claimed by Hewelt.

Full Time: Radcliffe 1-0 Oxford City

All in all, a disappointing and frustrating day for The Hoops who look to rebound against bottom of the league Leamington on the weekend.

A special mention must also go to Aaron Harper-Bailey who made a few crucial tackles to thwart Radcliffe attacks.

Attendance:  536

Oxford City Starting XI:  Maxted, Ashby (C), Harper-Bailey, Johnson, Bearne (McFarlane 63'), Parker (Daniel 87'), Potter (Sturridge 73'), Clark, Burroughs (Wilson 73'), Humphries, Humphrey-Ewers

Subs not used:  Roddy, Wiggett, Scott