City into the FA Cup First Round Proper!

Torquay United 0

Oxford City 0

Pollock 53'

Oxford City progressed to the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper for the first time in four years with a hard-fought 1-0 away against a Torquay United side.

It was Pollock with the decisive goal, breaking the deadlock early in the second half, whilst at the other end a solid Hoops defence put in another clean-sheet worthy performance to send City through. 

Before the game, the hosts hadn't been beaten at home this season, an indicator of how big the win was for the City players.

A cagey start to the affair saw the Gulls apply the early pressure, and they hit the back of the net after 10 minutes. It was a ball over the top that was squeezed in at the back post, but the flag was up, and the scoreline remained level. 

Pollock had his chances in the first half, firstly as he dragged narrowly wide from just inside the box, and then, on 21 minutes, he received the ball in the goalmouth, but his attempt to create space and take aim saw the ball smothered by Toby Savin in Torquay’s net. 

Another who looked dangerous in the first half was Ashby, with his free-kicks causing problems for the hosts. The home defence, however, were alert to the threat, most notably for the skipper’s 29th-minute delivery which fell to Johnson at the back post, with Torquay just about being able to hold the defender off as he tried to tap home. 

Then, Ashby nearly did it alone with his 33rd-minute free-kick, but his effort whistled just wide of the top right corner. 

Both teams searched for the half-time advantage, the hosts going closest in the final five minutes of the first 45, with an effort stuck across goal which fell just wide of Maxted's right post. Certainly an end to end first half, with chances at both ends, but neither side could secure the half-time lead, leaving a big second half to be played out at Plainmoor. 

Half-time: Torquay United 0-0 Oxford City. 

City started the second half the stronger side, with Pollock placing his side ahead just six minutes after the restart. Calm as you like from Pollock, he brought the ball down, and placed it into the far corner from just inside the box. Not an easy strike, but he made it look that way, and City were ahead. 

Far from job done, however, with the City defence having to dig deep in the second half to maintain that lead. The Gulls applied the pressure, desperate to get themselves back into the clash, but every player on the pitch got back for their defensive duties, denying Torquay any hope of continuing their cup dream. 

The biggest moment came from Maxted, who reacted excellently to tip a close-range effort over the bar on 78 minutes. A similar effort came in from the hosts minutes later, but, on that occasion, the ball looped over and nestled on top of the net. 

City did continue to break forward, an all-important two-goal cushion on their minds, but Torquay’s defence also stood strong in the closing stages, making for a nervy close to clash. 

After four additional minutes, the full-time whistle sounded, Pollock’s goal the difference as City headed into the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup. A fantastic achievement for the Hoops, who extended their unbeaten run to six games, and can now look ahead to a deserved First Round clash. Long may it continue!

City XI: Maxted, Humphries, Ashby, Francillette, Johnson, Pollock (Kauan 90+2’), Marsh, McEachran (Smith 68’), Brown (de Silva 87’), Potter (Forestieri 75’). 

Subs Unused: Bloom, Njogu, Carroll