OXFORD City suffered their first Vanarama National League South defeat since September 4 as Alfie Rutherford’s hat-trick gave Dorking Wanderers victory at Court Place Farm.

David Oldfield and three of his backroom staff had to watch from home as they awaited the results of PCR tests and it made for disappointing viewing.

Rutherford and James McShane fired Dorking into a two-goal lead inside 21 minutes, before Joe Iaciofano halved the deficit from the penalty spot to take his tally to nine for the season.

The visitors went 3-1 up when Rutherford converted before the break, only for Josh Ashby to give City hope shortly after the restart.

But Harvey Bradbury was sent off midway through the half and Rutherford sealed victory late on, with Oldfield’s side now only top of National League South on goals scored.

City made just one change from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chippenham Town, as Canice Carroll returned in place of Zac McEachran.

Dan Lincoln made his Dorking debut in goal and enjoyed a comfortable start as both defences kept their opponents at arm’s length in the early stages.

It took 15 minutes for either side to have a clear sight of goal, but the visitors made the most of the opportunity when it came.

City failed to clear a long throw from the right and Rutherford latched on to the loose ball to give Ben Dudzinski no chance.

The goalkeeper could do nothing about Dorking’s second goal as McShane increased the lead in emphatic style.

Zico Asare headed a free-kick away, but City did not complete the clearance and the midfielder fired a half-volley into the top corner from 20 yards.

The hosts struggled to reach their usual intensity, only to be handed a lifeline when a Dorking defender needlessly brought down Iaciofano in the penalty area.

The striker grabbed the ball and backed up his confidence, sending Lincoln the wrong way to halve the deficit from the spot.

Asare was then harshly booked for an apparent dive after he was felled by a sliding challenge, only for City to soon fall two goals behind again.

Dorking attacked down the right and Rutherford took control, receiving possession in the box and sweeping a shot into the far corner.

Jack Davies was booked late in the first half and came off for McEachran at half-time, with City switching to 3-5-2.

The change of formation paid off as George Harmon, now operating at wing back, arrived untracked to crash a shot off the post.

The ball bounced out to Ashby, who converted first time.

The next goal was crucial and McShane spurned a good chance when he scuffed wide from Rutherford’s cut-back just before the hour mark.

It was all to play for and Alfie Potter came on for Canice Carroll, but City’s hopes took a major hit when Bradbury was sent off with 20 minutes left.

The striker’s sliding challenge on the edge of the Dorking box was reckless, although a red card looked harsh.

Jacob Bancroft came on for Nana Owusu with seven minutes left, before Potter’s deflected effort looped just over the crossbar.

There was a brief spell of City pressure, but Rutherford finally bagged his hat-trick with four minutes left to end the game as a contest.

The visitors broke down the right and the No 10 got across his marker to divert the ball in off the far post.

Oxford City (4-3-3): Dudzinski, Asare, Matsuzaka, Davies (McEachran 46), Harmon, Fleet, Carroll (Potter 69), Ashby, Iaciofano, Bradbury, Owusu (Bancroft 83).

Unused subs: Coyle, Benyon.

Booked: Asare, Davies.

Sent off: Bradbury.

Dorking Wanderers (3-5-2): Lincoln, Fuller, Gallagher (Philpot 89), Cheadle 19, Oldaker (B Taylor 68), McShane 11, J Taylor, McManus 6, Briggs, Rutherford 10, Prior (Wheeler 64).

Unused subs: Moore, Wills.

Booked: J Taylor.