Ten-man
Oxford City earned a hard-won point at home to Altrincham on
Saturday. City trailed at the break after Altrincham's Damien Reeves
scored from the penalty spot, with City captain Chris Wilmott being
sent off for the challenge.
But
the hosts struck back with two quick fire strikes from Declan
Benjamin and Steve Basham early into the second half, before
Altrincham again levelled the scores from the penalty spot with half
an hour still to play.
Altrincham
started the brighter of the two teams and had the ball in the net
after just fifteen minutes when Jack Mills turned the ball into his
own net from Richard Clee's ball into the box. However, the goal was
ruled out for offside and City were able to breathe again.
But
City did fall behind five minutes before the half, when the dangerous
Damien Reeves was felled by Chris Wilmott inside the six-yard box as
he was about to pull the trigger. Referee David Woolford pointed to
the spot and produced a red card for Wilmott, before Reeves stepped
up to expertly convert the spot-kick.
However,
the ten men of Oxford City responded emphatically after the break,
equalising six minutes into the half when half-time substitute Felipe
Barcelos played in Declan Benjamin to coolly slot past Stuart Coburn
in the Altrincham goal.
Barely
a minute later City found themselves in front. The visitors
wastefully surrendered possession immediately from the kick-off, and
Steve Basham found himself in space 25 yards from goal. The former
Oxford United hitman unleashed a beautiful curling shot past the
helpless 'keeper to give the hosts an unlikely 2-1 lead.
Unfortunately,
City were unable to hold onto their lead and Altrincham levelled the
scores four minutes later after Reeves was clumsily tripped in the
box by Paul Stonehouse. The Alty striker again stepped up and powered
the ball past City goalkeeper Warren Carter to score his 11th
goal of the season.
The
visitors continued to press forward as City's ten men began to tire
and Carter was forced to make some impressive saves. Altrincham
almost retook the lead when James Lawrie struck the post and Wayne
Blossom fearlessly threw himself in front of the rebound to maintain
parity.
But despite
Altrincham's pressure the Oxford City defence held firm to cling onto
a hard-earned point and put them eighth in the Conference North.
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