Oxford City Lions beat the University of Bath on Sunday to maintain their position at the summit of the FA National Futsal League Midland Division.
A formidable pairing between two of the division's title contenders, thw game was always going to be an exciting encounter for the neutral - with a plethora of talent on show and valuable points at stake for both sides in their quest to be crowned division champions.
Bath went into the fixture needing a win to maintain their dreams of title glory after a disappointing loss to Loughborough the previous week, and Oxford were hoping to further cement their place at the top of the table.
From the off the match was fast paced, both teams moving the ball well and passing with intensity and desire.
The first goal went to Bath as Sklavounes managed to turn in at the far post after some excellent build-up play.
Oxford were not going to let Bath stay ahead and sure enough they equalised almost immediately afterwards thanks to a fine strike from Gonzalez.
University of Bath 2-4 Oxford City Lions
FA National Futsal League
Midlands Division
Sunday 2 February 2014
University of Bath
By Jack-William Cantwell
Oxford were able to step into the lead as some patient passing led to Robins being presented with a golden opportunity - and he was able to poke the ball towards the goal and into the back of the net.
The visitors maintained their pressure on the Bath goal, with Jones being called into action several times to deny Oxford increasing their lead.
The second half began with a goal for Bath just seconds after the restart.
A clever set piece from a free-kick left Kitson able to beat his man and rifle home that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
Bath sustained the pressure, however, and Ingram was unfortunate to not turn in a shot at the back post - and a surprise surge forward from the Bath keeper Jones ended with his long range effort bouncing off the inside of the post and back out, much to his dismay.
Despite the hosts' determination, the next goal was to go Oxford’s way.
Bath had decided to power play and use the fly keeper, with everything to gain from winning the match.
However, Oxford defended patiently and were able to catch Bath on the break, with Lion scoring.
Bath continued to press and were caught out once more as Toti was able to strike the ball into an open Bath net from his own penalty area.
Right at the death, Western missed a chance to chalk up a goal, although it would have only been a consolation as the final whistle sounded shortly after - leaving Bath in fourth place, seven points behind Oxford who lead the division by five points.
