A CONTROVERSIAL first-half penalty saw Oxford City lose 1-0 at Braintree Town on Saturday.

Ade Cole’s 35th-minute spot-kick proved the difference between the sides in a hard-fought Vanarama National League South clash.

City, again with a threadbare squad with injuries ruling out a number of key players, started brightly with Jack Self going close early on.

Kyran Wiltshire then also tested home goalkeeper Michael Johnson as Mark Jones’s side got on top.

Reece Beckles-Richards and Nana Owusu spurned further chances as City continued to dominate.

Braintree, however, rode out the storm and started to get into the game, Adam Mills and Jason Banton going close.

The hosts were then awarded a hotly-disputed penalty when Tom Richardson was adjudged to be brought down in the box following a corner.

Cole stepped up to send City keeper Harry Isted the wrong way from 12 yards.

The visitors started the second half strongly.

They wasted a glorious chance to equalise on the hour mark, Owusu weaving his way through, only for his shot to be blocked at close range.

City were vulnerable on the counter-attack after committing an increasing number of players forward, one such break seeing Tyler Christian-Law’s effort blocked by a combination of players.

Reece Fleet set up Beckles-Richards for a shot on goal, but his effort was easily saved.

City then created another great opportunity.

Craig Fasanmade came off the bench for the final seven minutes and looked certain to score when Josh Ashby’s free-kick found him unmarked at the far post.

But he was unable to get a good contact on the ball and Johnson saved.

City are next in action when they host Hampton & Richmond Borough in the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.

Oxford City: Isted, Jefford, Ashby, Oastler, Wiltshire, Fleet (Fasanmade 81), Wright (Paul-Jones 67), Owusu, Self, Beckles-Richards, Tapp. Subs not used: R King, Hawkins.