Oxford City............................3

Shortwood United.................. 1

By Jim Cunneen

SHORTWOOD co-manager John Evans praised his side after their plucky FA Cup second qualifying round tie defeat at Vanarama National League outfit Oxford City.

Evans: “I am really proud of our side today they ran a quality side close and in the second half - we had as many chances as they did.”

Wood were behind to a 29th minute penalty - confidently stroked home by Bradley Bubb.

Shortwood came out for the second half determined to get back into the game and City almost buckled under the pressure.

Striker Jake Lee, who bagged a brace in the 2-0 victory over Slimbridge, put Liam Meredith in and Walker was forced into a fine block.

It was all Shortwood. Marley Thomas just failed to get on the end of a cross as Walker dithered, but Shortwood were made to pay as City carved them apart and Sterling – James fired home a 53rd minute second.

This was harsh on Shortwood, but they had a lifeline just four minutes later. Niall Halford got his head to a cross and Meredith was unceremoniously pushed over. Andy Lewis hit the ball hard enough into the corner to beat Walker’s attempted save.

However, City scored a carbon copy of their second goal through Sterling-James.

However, Lee was frustrated by a fine Walker save and then headed a Joe White cross over.

With 10 minutes to go Walker came out and collided with his own defender, but James Singh’s chip was headed away.

Walker again denied Lee as Shortwood finished the stronger.

Shortwood: King, Rawlings, Humphreys, Lewis, Halford, Peare, Hancock, Thomas (Taylor 73), Lee, Meredith L (White 67), Bennett (Singh 62).

Star Man: Nick Peare.

Att :201.