OXFORD City conceded a late goal to suffer a 2-1 loss as Hemel Hempstead Town left Court Place Farm with all three points.
Ricardo German struck in the 82nd minute in the Vanarama National League South encounter to inflict back-to-back defeats on the hosts.
City fell behind as early as the fifth minute, when the visitors capitalised on a mistake by Joe Oastler.
The captain was dispossessed on the edge of his own box and Dan Phillips fired high past Craig King.
Both sides lacked a cutting edge in the searing heat, with City only registering their first shot on 30 minutes when Zac McEachran fired wide.
The attacking midfielder had a better chance soon after, but after rounding goalkeeper Sam Beasant, Conor Essam got back to block his shot.
City began the second half with more intent and levelled on 52 minutes.
McEachran was fouled 20 yards out and Kyran Wiltshire stepped up to curl a sublime free-kick into the top corner.
Both teams went in search of a winner and Stefan Brown’s deflected effort was well saved by Beasant.
But Hemel scored what proved to be the winner with eight minutes to go, when German scored.
City will look to bounce back today when they travel to Bath City.
Oxford City: King, Jones, Ashby, Moore-Azille, Oastler, Wiltshire, Fleet, Brown, McEachran (Fasanmade 61), Owusu (Self 83), Tapp.
Subs not used: Jefford, Caro, Wright.
Attendance: 314
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