Oxford City 5 Darlington 1

Attendance 767

Ashby 2 mins 1-0, McEchran 34 mins, 2-0, Sturridge 36 mins 3-0, Rutledge 67 mins, 3-1, Sturridge 76 mins 4-1, Surridge 85 mins 5-1

Quakers' six match unbeaten run came to an end at Marsh Lane.

They never recovered after going an early goal down with Oxford's pace causing the defence problems all afternoon. Oxford striker DJ Sturridge scored a hat trick.

Quakers had a chance when Aidan Rutledge pulled a goal back in the second half, but Oxford quickly responded.

Here are Steve's thoughts on the game:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLkqn_az_OE

Quakers started with a 4-4-2 formation with Tom Platt alongside the returning Elliot Forbes in the centre of defence.

They went a goal down after 2 minutes, when in an Oxford breakaway Zac McEachran set up Josh Ashby to score with a right foot shot from the edge of the area.

Quakers had their first chance on 7 minutes when Charlie Lennon set up Paddy McLaughlin, who fired over the bar.

They had a free kick on the left on 11 minutes after Lennon was fouled, but his inswinging free kick was headed away on the six yard line.

Max Howells won the first corner on 20 minutes on the right. Will McGowan curled the ball in for Aidan Rutledge to have a header blocked.

Quakers nearly levelled on 25 minutes. Lennon curled the ball in from the left and even though Main nearly get a touch, the keeper still had to go full length to his left and save.

After Rutledge had a penalty claim for a trip turned down on on 33 minutes, Oxford broke away, and McEachran created space well for himself and beat Jameson with a low shot that was deflected past the keeper into the bottom left corner.

And the score was 3-0 on 36 minutes. Oxford broke down the left, McEachran hit the bar, and DJ Sturridge fired home.

Quakers nearly pulled one back just on half time, but Forbes’ close range header was blocked by the keeper.

It was nearly 4-0 on half time, but Jameson saved well from Daniel, who had broken away from the defence.

Half time: Oxford City 3 Darlington 0

Quakers had a second penalty shout turned down on 48 minutes when McGowan seemed to be tripped as he ran into the box to pick up a pass from Main, but the referee waved play on.

But Oxford always looked dangerous on the break, and Jameson made a good save from Clark.

Quakers made their first sub on 58 minutes, Jack Maskell coming on for Howells.

They won a free kick on the corner of the box for a foul on Main, and Pardington just managed to push Lennon’s free kick away for a corner. When McGowan’s corner came in, Maskell headed wide of the left hand post.

Quakers pulled a goal back on 67 minutes. Main was fouled on the left, Lennon floated the ball in, and Rutledge headed home his seventh goal of the season.

They kept pressing, and Rutledge tried a free kick from 30 yards that went just over the top.

Just when it looked as if the revival was gaining momentum, Oxford went 4-1 up when a Darlington move broke down inside the Oxford half, and the ball was played through for Sturridge to lift over the advancing keeper.

Quakers response was to put Ellis Stanton on for Tye Barton, then Tom Allan came on for Lennon.

But Oxford broke away on 83 minutes and won a penalty when Jameson brought down Sturridge, and Sturridge scored from the spot to complete a miserable day for Quakers.

Final: Oxford City 5 Darlington 1

Team: Jameson, Barton (sub Stanton 78), Forbes, Hedley, Platt, McLaughlin, McGowan, Howells (sub Maskell 60), Lennon(sub Allan 81), Rutledge, Main

Subs: Griffiths, Myers-Smith, Cornish

Booking: McGowan, Hedley