Luke Corbett fired them into a second-half lead, but a leveller 12 minutes from time earned Oxford City a share of the spoils.

The pitch looked in surprisingly good condition, despite the overnight frost, and reports of standing water from earlier in the week.

In a lively opening 45, the first effort on goal came from Mark Bellingham, but his shot was straight at keeper Jonathan North.

James Husband then forced the home custodian into more serious action, with North forced to push the left back's effort on to the crossbar.

A lack of communication between Dave Savage and his goalkeeper let in Peter Faulds for a header from the edge of the area which looped over the bar, before Lee Steele fired wide for Oxford.

An unfortunate ricochet from a clearance almost let Steele in but Chris Kiely was down quickly to make a smart block.

The Leamington keeper was almost left red-faced as he allowed a soft shot from Mark Janes to beat his dive. Fortunately, the ball pinged off the inside of the post, and despite the rebound being forced home, an offside flag denied the home side.

James Faulkner saw his header clip the top of the bar while Savage's low drive flashed inches wide as Oxford produced their best spell before the break.

Brakes made a bright start to the second period and forged in front just before the hour.

A long punt from Kiely was nodded on by Bellingham into the path of Corbett, who outpaced three Oxford defenders and rounded the keeper to slot home his 14th goal of the season.

This stung the home side into action and Brakes were lucky to survive when a searching ball flashed across the goalmouth untouched.

Corbett was played into a similar position to where he scored his goal, but, forced to take the shot early, saw North smother his powerful effort.

City were level in the 78th minute when a long throw found its way to Steele, who turned the ball in from close range.