A first half hat trick from Scott Pollock helped prove the difference as Moors were defeated by Oxford City at The Brewery Field.

Pollock opened the scoring on 16 minutes with a smart finish, before Jack Jenkins’ header levelled things for Moors. Pollock went on to score two more before half time to put Oxford City up at the break. Moors were condemned to more disappointment in the second half as Josh Ashby scored directly from a corner kick.

Just six minutes on the clock and the first chance came for Moors as Jack Young’s shot from outside the box was deflected into the palms of Jonny Maxted in goal for Oxford City.

The visitors opened the scoring just 16 minutes in as Scott Pollock did excellently to win the ball on the counter down the left hand side, before running through on goal and slotting it into the bottom right corner past Zac Hadi.

The Hoops had a golden chance to double their lead just a few minutes later after a mistake at the back from Moors but Tyrone Marsh couldn’t get the ball out of his feet to strike.

Another chance for the visitors on 33 mins came through their number 9, but Marsh saw his strike fly over the bar.

Moors equalised on 35 minutes as Jack Jenkins headed in from close range after he connected with Dan Jones’ long throw into the area via a deflection on the way through.

Ross Jenkins’ side went ahead again on 41 minutes after good play in the middle found Ellis Brown on the wing who crossed it for Pollock to get his second of the afternoon with a low finish into the bottom right corner.

Pollock rounded off his hattrick on the stroke of half time, as his strike from the edge of the area found the bottom left corner, completing an impressive first half display from the number 7.

Just a few minutes into the second half and Pollock nearly had his fourth of the game. The midfielder found space on the edge of the area to switch the ball onto his left foot, before firing an effort towards the bottom left corner. The strike however, smashed off the post.

Another goal came shortly after for Oxford City as Ashby whipped a corner into the area. The ball looped up dangerously, before landing on top of Zac Hadi, who couldn’t stop the ball from crossing the line.

Oxford City nearly added another on 65 minutes as the ball found Briar Bateman open on the edge of the area but his first time effort was skied over the bar.

Moors saw a good chance begging on 84 minutes after good midfield play. Substitute, Aidan Marsh’s long range effort though, was deflected wide for a corner.

Tommy Miller’s side had a huge chance for a consolation goal deep in to stoppage time after a mistake from Canice Carroll gifted Glen Taylor a golden opportunity, however, the defender did well to block his shot and clear it away from danger.

Full time: Moors 1 Oxford City 4

Moors: Hadi, Darcy (Beals 62), Pollock (Whelan 69), Jones, Murray, Young, Jenkins, Cantrill (Salkeld 62), Mondal (Marsh 62), Ramshaw, Taylor

Sub not used: James, Dawson, Bennett.

Booked: Young 57, Jenkins 64, Whelan 86

Referee: Robert Claussen

Attendance: 1004

Written by Sean Whitaker