Pollock scored the only goal six minutes into the second half as City ended Torquay’s unbeaten home record and extended their own unbeaten run to six matches.

The hosts made the brighter start at Plainmoor and had the ball in the net after 10 minutes when a delivery over the top was converted at the back post, but the flag was raised for offside.

City responded through Pollock, who dragged an effort narrowly wide from inside the penalty area before testing the Torquay defence again in the 21st minute.

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After receiving the ball close to goal, Pollock attempted to create room for a shot, but goalkeeper Toby Savin was able to smother the danger.

Josh Ashby also caused problems from set-pieces during an evenly contested first half.

His 29th-minute free-kick reached Johnson at the back post, where the City defender was prevented from turning the ball home.

Ashby went close himself four minutes later when another free-kick flew narrowly wide of the top corner.

Torquay threatened before the interval, sending an effort across goal and just beyond Chris Maxted’s right-hand post, but neither side could find a breakthrough before half-time.

The travelling Oxford City fans. (Image: Oxford City FC)

City emerged strongly after the restart and took the lead in the 51st minute.

Pollock controlled the ball inside the penalty area before producing a composed finish into the far corner to put the visitors ahead.

Torquay responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, forcing City to spend significant periods defending their narrow advantage.

The Hoops remained organised under pressure and Maxted produced an important save with 12 minutes remaining, reacting quickly to tip a close-range effort over the crossbar.

It proved a crucial intervention as Torquay sought to force their way back into the contest during a sustained spell of second-half pressure.

The hosts threatened again shortly afterwards, but another attempt looped over Maxted and landed on top of the net.

City continued to look for opportunities on the counter-attack as they attempted to secure a second goal, while Torquay's defence prevented the visitors from adding to their lead.

That left City facing a tense finish as the home side continued pressing for the goal that would have taken the tie beyond 90 minutes.

Four minutes of added time were played, but City's defence held firm to secure a clean sheet and their place in the next round.

Pollock's second-half strike ultimately separated the sides as City reached the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in four years.

The result was also City's sixth successive match without defeat.