Oxford City had a fantastic performance as they secured their first win of the season by defeating Needham Market 3-0. The Hoops started off strong with a header from Josh Parker and a tap-in from Reece Fleet, followed by an impressive volley from Zac McEachran.
The first goal came from a wide free kick taken by Josh Ashby, which found the head of Josh Parker for an early lead. Despite a chance for Needham Market to equalize hitting the post, Oxford City continued to dominate. A long ball played by Lewis Coyle set up Alfie Potter for a shot saved by the goalkeeper, only to be tapped in by Zac McEachran, extending City’s lead to 2-0.
In the second half, Needham Market tried to push back but City’s defense held strong. McEachran scored his second goal of the match with a stunning volley from outside the box, sealing the victory for Oxford City. The game took a turn for the worse for Needham Market when Dan Morphew was sent off for a headbutt on Josh Ashby, leaving them with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Oxford City’s win comes at a crucial time, boosting their confidence as they prepare for upcoming matches against Leamington and Gosport Borough in the FA Cup qualifier. The victory was well-deserved after a series of winless games in the league, and the team showed great determination and skill on the field.
The starting lineup for Oxford City included Mitchell, Burley, Ashby, Jones, Kpekawa, Coyle, Fleet, McEachran, Siddik, Parker, and Potter. The substitutes made valuable contributions as well, showcasing the depth and talent of the squad. Overall, it was a memorable win for Oxford City, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.