FOR the second week in succession Oxton visited another newly promoted side, City of Manchester, in the Northern Premier Hockey League, and like last week were second best in the initial exchanges.

After ten minutes Manchester went ahead with a simple short corner routine.

Gradually, however, Oxton found their rhythm prompted by Jon Hodgkinson in midfield and began to dominate.

Shortly before half-time two strikes, from Collins and Moore, respectively, gave them a deserved lead.

After the interval Oxton continued to press and McKenzie extended their lead with a typical opportunist goal following a goalmouth scramble.

At this point Oxton were flying and in complete control, with young Hillyer's energy and running unsettling the Manchester defence.

Then, against the run of play, a defensive slip let in the home side, which made for a tense last ten minutes.

In a final attempt to rescue the game Manchester sacrificed their goalkeeper for another outfield player but the away side looked composed.

In the last play of the game Oxton nearly let their opponents back in.

Following another defensive mix-up a Manchester striker found himself clear on goal but Matt Couttie redeemed his initial mistake with a spectacular tackle to ensure Oxton's three points.