HEREFORD came from behind to beat Oxford City 2-1 in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy, writes Daniel Holes.

Oxford took the lead with Freddie Grant’s header, but goals from John Mills and Dara O’Shea secured the upset for the Bulls.

The hosts – who ply their trade in National League South – looked dangerous early on when neat link up play on the edge of the box ended with Ezra Forde’s shot firing past the post.

Hereford began to look menacing themselves when Cameron Pring crossed into the box only for Rob Purdie’s shot to be blocked with the follow up being comfortably saved.

Oxford opened the scoring when Zac McEachran’s corner was converted by Grant to give the hosts the lead in the 10th minute.

But 10 minutes later, Mills was slipped through down the left-hand side beating the offside trap as he coolly slotted the ball across goal beating Jack Stevens.

Mills has now scored four goals in the FA Trophy this season.

Late in the first half, Mike Jones’ side had a shout for a penalty when Jimmy Oates battled with Dave Pearce although their appeals were waved away by the referee.

Mills was inches away from making it two for the afternoon playing a one two with Lance Smith only for his shot to hit Steven’s upright.

Adam Page whipped in a devilish free kick for the unmarked O’Shea to head past the onrushing Stevens in the 61st minute as the away side took the lead for the first time.

With less than 10 minutes to go, Mills had the ball in the back of the net again only to see it be chalked off by the linesman.

McEachran’s late attempt failed to trouble Martin Horsell summing up Oxford’s poor second half performance.

But in the final minute, Oxford were close to equalising only for the header from the corner to be cleared off the line.

Hereford have now extend their unbeaten run to 10 games and have not been beaten away from home for over a year.

The first round will be on December 16, meaning that Hereford's home league game against Bishop's Stortford will have to be rescheduled.

The National League Premier sides come in at the first round stage, with the draw being made on Monday lunchtime.

Hereford: Horsell, Oates, Pring, Purdie, O'Shea, Deaman, Page, Bird, Mills, Reffell, Smith.

Subs not used: Preen, Symons, Green, Franklin, A Harris.