THE WHITE Tigers fell to a 3-1 defeat at Oxford City as a hat-trick from Matt Paterson gave his side all three points.
After a cagey opening, it was the home side who edged in front on 18 minutes when Oxlade-Chamberlain drove the ball into the danger zone and as Tom McHale parried, Paterson was well placed to fire home from close range.
The White Tigers struggled to get a foot-hold in the game during the opening period as we gave the ball away too often and allowed our hosts too much time on the ball.
The home back-line were proving to be stubborn and limiting us to half-chances, although genuinely opportunities were also at a premium for our hosts.
It was the home side who began the second period on top and McHale was forced to save well from Fleet with 52 minutes on the clock before we survived several corners in quick succession.
We fell further behind just past the hour-mark when Poku threaded an intelligent ball through to Paterson who was able to lift over the advancing McHale to make it 2-0.
However, within a minute we were able to reduce the arrears when Aaron Lamont turned the ball home with a low strike into the bottom corner.
As we pushed in search of a leveller, both Niall Thompson and Stewart Yetton were thrust into the action.
The home side sealed the victory in stoppage time when a breakaway ended with McEachran teeing up Paterson for a simple chance as he completed his hat-trick.
THE WHITE TIGERS: McHale, Palfrey (Thompson 68), Riley-Lowe, Palmer, Gerring, Richards, Lamont, Keats (Yetton 82), Harvey, Neal, Harding. Subs not used: Todd, Copp, Hartridge.