

Report by Jools Thomas
The game was played in brilliant sunshine at Haywoods Way; the ground being freshly painted and positively sparkling, a testament to the hard work of supporters and volunteers throughout the summer. The team had a more settled look to it than in the previous game against Buckingham but the quality of the opposition also showed.
Oxford City did enjoy the best of the possession in the first half and took the lead on the 19 minute mark when Geoff Mitchell cut in from the right, fooled Ben Stevens into a tackle and then slipped the ball underneath the advancing Richard Roberts. In reply FC had a wonderful opportunity to pull a goal back almost on half time. A mazy run and cross from Jerome Federico found Leon Osei whose chipped shot cleared the keeper only for it to bounce back off the post.
The 2nd half saw wholesale changes as is the norm in these games. Jonathon Constant and Jack Thompson were returning players looking to play their way into Craig Faulconbridge’s thoughts for the new seasons and both showed signs of what they are capable of. No goals followed in the remainder of the game and although the majority of the action again occurred in the FC half of the field, a 1-0 defeat was by no means a disgrace against a well drilled Conference North side.
Line Up:-
1. Richard Roberts.
2. Carl Clay.
3. Ronayne Marsh-Brown.
4. Kwasi Frempong.
5. Julian Smith.
6. Ben Stevens.
7. Jerome Federico.
8. Jamie Rudd.
9. Brian Haule.
10. Leon Osei.
11. Romaine Walker.
Subs:-
12. Davis Haule.
16. Nick O'Donovan.
15. Carl Moreton.
18. Jack Thomson.
17. Jonathan Constant.