OXFORD City were unable to end their season with a victory after falling to a 1-0 defeat against champions Sutton United at Marsh Lane.

Tom Bolarinwa’s 15th-minute goal was all that separated the sides, denying City a place in the top half of the table.

Justin Merritt’s side, who had been fourth at the turn of the year, finished 12th in Vanarama National League South.

They started brightly against Sutton, with Bradley Bubb seeing a shot blocked.

But the visitors began creating chances and goalkeeper Laurie Walker saved Dan Wishart’s free-kick.

Sutton’s pressure paid off on 15 minutes as City’s defence failed to recognise the danger and Bolarinwa made no mistake in finding the net.

There was little goalmouth action after the opener, but Reece Fleet fired wide for City and Bubb shot over.

Walker denied Dan Fitchett and Wishart, but neither keeper was really troubled in a low-key affair.

City forced several corners in search of an equaliser, but their season came to a quiet conclusion after what had been a very promising start.

They will now look to end ton a high when they take on Oxford United in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final on Tuesday, May 10.

Oxford City: Walker, King, Bevans (Isaac 20), Lapoujade, Santiago (Knapton 83), Arzamendi, Bubb, Fleet, McDonagh (Benjamin 71), Lafuente, Whichelow. Subs not used: Pifarre-Forner, Peake-Pijen.

Attendance: 503.