FOOTBALL: City knocked out in major shock (From Bicester Advertiser)

FOOTBALL: City knocked out in major shock

10:20am Monday 24th September 2012 in Sport

Two goals in the space of three minutes sent Oxford City crashing out of the FA Cup second qualifying round at the hands of Yate Town in a major shock, writes Matthew Bruce.

City, high-flying in Blue Square Bet North, lost to a struggling side who are bottom of Division 1 South & West in the Evo-Stik Southern League without a point to their name this season.

Mike Ford’s team pulled a goal back late on through Andy Gunn, but it was too little, too late and they finished the match with ten men as Liam Malone was sent off in the dying minutes.

Yate had the better chances in a scrappy first half, with City keeper Warren Carter making two smart saves from striker Tom Knighton.

The match only sprung into life after the hour mark, when Yate deservedly took the lead.

Danny Wring found himself in space on the edge of the area and Carter was unsighted as his shot travelled through a forest of legs before nestling into the corner of the net.

Yate doubled their lead three minutes later when an unmarked Mitchell Page headed in from point-blank range after City failed to deal with a dangerous ball across the face of goal.

City gave themselves hope after 81 minutes when Gunn rose highest to head in a long throw.

But City’s comeback attempt was halted when they were reduced to ten men after Malone received his second booking for an innocuous-looking challenge.

It was a rare off-day for City, whikle underdogs yate were celebrating reaching tghe third qualifying round for the first time.

Oxford City: Carter, Mills, Stonehouse, Malone, Gunn, Learoyd, Cook (Isaac 60), Pond, Basham, Shariff, Benjamin. Subs not used: Ballard,Barcelos.

Referee: A Hopkins.

Attendance: 179