Oxford City were rocked after manager Andy Lyne sensationally resigned following the club's 2-0 defeat against Beaconsfield in Southern League Division 1 South & West on Saturday.

Following a meeting with chairman Brian Cox, his resignation as boss was reluctantly accepted However, Lyne, who oversaw City's promotion to the Southern League last season, is not severing his links with the club, and will become City's director of football, overseeing all teams at Court Place Farm.

Lyne, who is away on business in the north of England, said: "I have always set myself very high standards for both myself and for my players.

"I feel that I have fallen short of this in the last month and it's time for a new voice."

Cox said: "We were a little surprised and disappointed by Andy's decision, but he has done a marvellous job for us.

"Obviously we tried to talk him out of his decision to stand down, but Andy had made his mind up and felt he had taken the team as far as he could.

"I am delighted that he will be staying on as director of football, and I'm sure that his new role with be a new challenge for him.

"He has a vast knowledge at this level of the game, and this new role will make him a valuable member of the board."ined to comment on a possible successor to Lyne, but did confirm that there were a number of options now open to him Justin Merritt, Lyne's assistant, has taken charge of team affairs - and will be in charge against Hillingdon tomorrow - until the new manager is named early next week.

Lewis Craker was sent off as City plunged to defeat against struggling Beaconsfield, who won the game with two late goals.

Craker received his marching orders in the second half after his second yellow card, City, playing without any rhythm, created few chances before the break.

In the second half, when playing against ten men, Beaconsfield broke the deadlock when Riccardo Cannon, volleyed home a powerful 20-yard shot in the 83rd minute.

Less than two minutes later, Cannon doubled his and Beaconsfield's tally when slotting home a cross from the right to give his side the points.

Oxford City: Farrow, Lane, G Williams, Avery, Craker, Takriti, Durrant (Rendell 72), Merritt, Stewart (Alleyne 58), Burnley (Keen 67), Jones. Subs not used: Williams, Marriott.