OXFORD City continued their recent dip in form with a 2-1 home defeat to lowly Billericay Town, WRITES GEORGE RICKWOOD.

Shaquile Coulthirst and Femi Akinwande struck to give the Essex side all three points, with Canice Carroll scoring his side’s first goal at Court Place Farm in 2022.

It keeps City fourth in Vanarama National League South, while they are now three games without a win.

A frantic start saw Marvel Ekpiteta clear off the line three minutes in, after Joe Iaciofano pressed the visiting defence into a mix-up.

Billericay made them pay, as Coulthirst gave them the lead five minutes later with a beautiful curling finish into the bottom corner.

City took time to respond, but grew into the game and were level half an hour in.

Anything Billericay could do, Carroll could do better as he ran on to a loose ball and bent a shot into the top corner.

There was another excellent finish before half-time, however, as Akinwande turned inside the box and drilled into the bottom corner.

City started the second half well and thought they had a golden chance to level when the referee pointed to the spot on the hour mark, only for the offside flag to go up.

In truth, City’s response was fairly feeble with a Josh Ashby free-kick Rhys Lovett’s only save of note.

Banbury United were watched by a four-figure crowd as they beat AFC Rushden & Diamonds 2-0.

The Puritans welcomed 1,055 fans for the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central clash, with Chris Wreh’s header and Alex Collard’s own goal sealing victory.

They remain 16 points clear at the top and have won their last nine league matches.

Thame United won 4-0 at FC Romania in Division 1 Central thanks to a Lynton Goss double, with Ryan Blake and George Gilmore also scoring.

Ben Brown, Lance Williams, Christopher Francis and Conor McDonagh scored as third-placed North Leigh beat Aylesbury United 4-2.

Adam Learoyd struck in Didcot Town’s 1-1 draw at Harlow Town, while Kidlington held Berkhamsted 1-1.

Wantage Town lost 3-1 to Biggleswade.