IT will be a case of Groundhog Day for Oxford City as they travel to Slough Town on Sunday, having only beaten the same opponent 3-2 at home on Boxing Day.

Elliot Benyon’s wonder goal helped City return to the top of Vanarama National League South, as the Hoops recorded their highest competitive attendance at Court Place Farm.

Joe Iaciofano and George Harmon scored either side of Benyon’s strike from near the halfway line to help seal the points.

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Slough put the Boxing Day defeat behind them by beating Hampton & Richmond 4-1 on Tuesday, and David Oldfield knows his side in for a challenge against the Berkshire side if they are to stay top of the league.

He said: “I think they’re a really good club, the manager is fantastic and they’ve got some really good players.

“It’s a very tough and important game back at their place.

“It would’ve been interesting if we’d had to play on Tuesday [City’s game at St Albans was postponed due to Covid], we’d have had to lick our wounds.

“We need to make sure we prepare as well as we can.”

Despite the Hoops’ impressive run of form this season, losing just twice in the league, Benyon is aware how a couple of defeats can easily change things.

He said: “We don’t want to look at the table yet, it’s December.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do, we’ve got to get better.

“So many things can happen and with two losses you’re out of the play-offs, it’s that tight up there.”

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Also looking to extend their lead at the top of the table will be Banbury United, in Southern League Premier Central.

A Jack Stevens penalty was enough to see off Stratford Town on Monday, and now Andy Whing’s side face two games in quick succession.

The Puritans travel to Alvechurch on New Year’s Day before another away trip, to Redditch United on Monday.

New Year’s Day will also see two all-Oxfordshire clashes in Southern League Division One Central as Didcot Town (7th) host North Leigh (4th), while Kidlington (17th) welcome Wantage Town (19th).

Thame United (8th) are at home to AFC Dunstable (3rd).