A double from DJ Sturridge helped City cruise to a 3-1 win away at Southport.

The City striker was hitting all the right notes on the pitch as he put City 1-0 up after three minutes. Moreover, he shrugged off a problem with his eyes to put City back ahead three minutes after the interval, after Teddy Lavelle's levelled for Southport earlier in the match.

Callum McFarlane added a third to seal the deal ten minutes from time and secure a huge victory for City.

Ross Jenkins made three changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Curzon Ashton on Tuesday. George Burroughs, Charlie Wiggett and Josh Parker were replaced by a new centre-half duo of Darnell Johnson and Aaron Harper-Bailey, and DJ Sturridge started as the Hoops’ striker. 

That turned out to be an inspired change from the City gaffer too, as Sturridge gave City the lead after just three minutes. 

A ball was perfectly played behind the Southport backline by O’Shea Ellis and Sturridge had too much pace for the Sandgrounders’ defence, and brilliantly took the ball round ‘keeper Chris Renshaw to tap home the opener.

However, the lead was short-lived. Two corners in quick succession did the damage. The second of which was whipped in by Luke Griffiths and avoided everyone in the area apart from Teddy Levelle, who volleyed home from point blank range. 

Southport had the majority of the ball, but as soon as possession turned over, City caused problems… Ewan Clark came close on two occasions but couldn’t find a way past Renshaw in between the sticks. 

Jordan Slew caused City problems throughout the half, and Max Metcalfe was extremely relieved to see a curling shot from the Southport wide-man rattle the crossbar just after the half-hour mark… 

Half-time: Southport 1-1 Oxford City 

After the break it was de ja vu, just three minutes into the half, Sturridge had his second goal of the game. City couldn’t believe their luck when Southport’s defender’s left the City midfield unmarked. 

Ellis again became creator as his ball slid in Sturridge who made no mistake to finish past Renshaw. It was a miracle how Sturridge could even see the goal, as he was struggling with two dislodged contact lenses from the first-half, but he still managed to remain composed to put the Hoops ahead. 

The second-half was a more subdued affair, but there were still chances for both sides. 

Chris Sze saw his fierce volley excellently saved by Max Metcalfe who somehow caught his stinging effort from close-range. However, if Southport’s striker had hit it either side of the City number 1, it would’ve been a goal 

As the half went on, you’d imagine that Southport would’ve been pushing for a leveller. However, it was City who were in the ascendancy. 

They made their spell on top pay as well with ten minutes to go when substitute Callum McFarlane added a third and won the game for the Hoops. 

He did superbly well to keep the ball close to his feet before creeping into the box and drilling a low shot into the near corner of the net. A very deserved goal for the Striker who was on top  of his game for his short cameo. 

In truth, The Hoops never looked like they were about to give Southport an inch as they saw the game out in a professional manner. 

The only blip was a blazing miss from Slew deep into added time after he somehow ballooned an effort over the crossbar from 4-yards out. 

A huge win for City. The team keep on fighting! 

Att: 2,383 

Oxford City Starting XI: Metcalfe, Wilson, Ashby, Harper-Bailey, Johnson, Ellis, McEachran (Scott 88’), Sturridge (Parker 65’), Clark (McFarlane 72’), Humphries, Hemmings (Taylor 90+1’)

Subs not used: Roddy, Bearne, Wiggett