OXFORD City’s struggles continued as they slipped to second bottom following a heavy 4-0 defeat at Eastbourne Borough.

The latest defeat leaves them with just four points from their opening eight games in Vanarama National League South.

Striker Mike Fondop made his debut after signing from Billericay Town, but he was left frustrated as the major incidents occurred at the opposite end.

City trailed 3-0 at half-time to goals from Gavin McCallum, Josh Hare and Ian Simpemba, conceding a fourth after the break to Mark Hughes.

It took the hosts just 13 minutes to take the lead when McCallum cut in from the left before burying a shot in the bottom corner.

Three minutes later it was 2-0 when Hare’s thunderous free-kick from the edge of the area passed through the City wall and struck goalkeeper Jack Stevens on its way into the roof of the net.

And after half an hour a rout looked inevitable as City failed to deal with a corner, sparking a goalmouth scramble which was turned in by Simpemba.

Elliott Romain could have made things worse at the start of the second half, firing wide.

But the fourth was not long in coming, Hughes sweeping home after City allowed a simple ball across to bounce in the box.

There were chances for City to reduce the deficit.

Eastbourne goalkeeper Lewis Carey was forced to come out of his area to sweep up a long ball, clearing only as far Reece Fleet, whose attempted lob sailed over.

Substitute Martin Ofosu went closest five minutes from time as Carey tipped his shot on to a post.

But even a consolation proved a step too far for City, who travel to Bath City tomorrow still looking for their first win since the opening day of the season.

Oxford City: Stevens, Odhiambo (MacAuley 35), Isaac (Ofosu 52), Poku, Cundy, Grant, Neto (Ngathe HT), Fleet, Fondop, Davies, Soares. Sub not used: McDonagh.

Attendance: 541.