No wonder Simon Johnson commented: "We (management team) need to have a good look at ourselves, as we need to find ways of winning games like this.

"There was a lot of frustration out there today, on the pitch and on the side as well. With the players we had, we were expecting to pick up three points."

Fielding five attacking players, the Cityzens made a promising start and created early chances, but in the 15th minute a foul on Jalen Johnson saw them concede a penalty, and the same player made no mistake from the spot to give the Lane a shock lead.

But the visitors' hopes of snapping their 11-match winless run suffered a setback just before half-time when Dillon Gordan was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Ollie Harris.

Early in the second half, Lane were down to nine men with a player sent to the sin-bin.

But they were back to 10 by the time Sam Tanner netted City's equaliser in the 73rd minute.

City pushed hard for the winner, but Rayners held out to collect only their fifth Premier Division North point of the season.

Johnson admitted his side were not good enough to win the game, adding: "We didn't produce enough opportunities and didn't ask their keeper more questions. We never looked comfortable. A point is good for us, given how we performed this afternoon."

The manager also gave credit to the Lane, saying: "Their back three were brilliant. They defended well but were still a threat on the counter-attack, with so much pace."

City sit seventh in the table, having been overtaken by Wokingham Town who hammered Wallingford & Crowmarsh 5-2 on Tuesday after scoring three goals in the last 10 minutes of normal time.

This Saturday, they are away to Kidlington, who are fifth in the standing following a 3-2 win at Thatcham on Tuesday.

* Woodley United beat Eagles Lane Benfica 2-1 to move above them into 18th place in the Combined Counties Division One standings.

It was their third victory in 16 games, whilst Eagles are still without a home win in seven games.

Combined Counties League – Division One – 17 th October 2026

United made a positive start at Preston Park and went close three times before taking the lead in the 10th minute. Nathan Mindomba’s cross was headed clear to the edge of the penalty area, where Louis Eade struck a low shot inside goalkeeper Albi Laci’s left-hand post.

The lead did not last for long as Eagles levelled three minutes later. Rafael Barbosa flicked a pass to Brandon Dylon, who wrong-footed James West before poking the ball inside the near post.

United had a let-off just before half-time when a shot struck the underside of their crossbar.

The introduction of Jordan Brown early in the second half led to Woodley playing more in the home half, where United won several corners and free kicks. However, they didn't score until the 81st minute, when Harry Wardle headed home Jackson Penhallurick’s corner, his first goal for the club.

Woodley's fixture with Maidenhead Town last night (Tuesday) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Rivermoor Stadium. They are due to host Colliers Wood United on Saturday.