Oxford City 1 Vauxhall Motors 1
THE Motormen were unable to hold on to the dream start Andy Nicholas gave them on Saturday as Oxford fought back to earn a point.
Just two minutes had been played when the hosts failed to clear a Louis Barnes throw-in and Nicholas was on hand to head home after being left unmarked.
Motors almost doubled their advantage shortly after but Obi Anoruo’s strike on goal was well saved by City keeper Matt Ingram.
The home side were level on 14 minutes when Declan Benjamin found Brazilian Felipe Barcelos, who let fly with a spectacular strike which gave Motors keeper Zac Jones no chance.
Both sides continued to have their chances.
Anoruo went close again with a powerfully hit strike which flew across the goal, then Craig Mahon fired wide before being denied from point-blank range by Ingram.
In the second half, Oxford went down to 10 men when Benjamin was sent off for a reckless challenge. Despite the one-man advantage, Motors were unable to find a winner as they piled on the pressure.
In the final stages, midfielder Chris Noone nearly grabbed the winner but his fine effort struck the crossbar and Motors had to settle for a draw.
Vauxhall: Jones, Wainwright, Barnes, Hannigan, Nicholas, Clowes, Mahon (Fearnehough 85), Noone, Rutter, Stott, Anoruo (Burns 79). Sub: Martindale. Attendance: 183.
Vauxhall host Bishops Stortford on Saturday (3pm).
Motors have rearranged their postponed home match against Workington for Tuesday, February 12 (7.45pm).
