Oxford City were quickly out of the blocks as they resumed their league campaign after an enforced break because of bad weather, overcoming hosts Swindon Supermarine 4-2 on Saturday.
The visitors had a dream start when they took the lead after just three minutes when Declan Benjamin's shot was deflected past the home Ashley Harrison in the Swindon goal. Five minutes later Benjamin repeated the feat when he raced into the area before unleashing a fierce shot that again took a deflection past the stranded 'keeper.
Benjamin should have completed a well deserved hat trick on 31 minutes but was denied by referee Andy Roberts, who blew for a City penalty as Benjamin's lob headed for the back of the net. Despite protestations by the City players, the goal was not allowed to stand and Steve Basham stepped up to fire home the spot kick past Harrison.
City wrapped up all three points when Chris Wilmott thumped the ball home from Marvin Martin's cross for City's fourth. Not surprising the visitors took their foot off the gas and within three minutes of the restart, the home side reduced the arrears when former City player Nick Stanley volleyed home from an acute angle.
Michael Lyon brought a fine save from Harrison with a crisply hit shot from the edge of the box and substitute Felipe Barcelos also tested the home 'keeper. Jason Mooney was at full stretch to deny Harry Etheridge as the home side tried in vain to get back into the game.
Swindon did score a consolation goal in added time when Tom Cole took advantage of slack marking in the City box to head home.
