Marlow 2 (Simpson 43, D Stone 70)

Oxford City 1 (Romeo 33)

Oxford City's defeat at Marlow on Saturday means they have conceded home advantage for the Division 1 South & West play-off semi-final against Didcot Town tomorrow (7.45).

City went into the game in third place, but their loss combined with fourth-placed Didcot's 2-1 victory at Burnham sees them swap places.

And now Stuart Peace's side will host the tie at the npower Loop Meadow Stadium.

In tomorrow's other play-off semi-final, Fleet Town are at home to Uxbridge.

The decider - for a place in the Premier Division - is on Saturday and will be held at the ground of whichever finalist finished the highest in the league.

City boss Justin Merritt gambled on the possibility of losing home advantage in the play-off semi-final by fielding a much-changed side to avoid the chance of injuries.

And Marlow made most of the running in the first half, with Aaron Crouch and Jermaine Roche failing to take advantage of decent chances.

There was also a let-off when Ricky Allaway sliced his attempted clearance behind for a corner.

However, it was City who took the lead after 33 minutes when Ashwa Romeo rode several tackles to shoot past former City keeper Keiron Drake from an acute angle.

Marlow equalised in the 43rd minute through another former City player Colin Simpson.

Although City had several opportunities in the second period, the ball did not run kindly for them.

And they fell behind in the 70th minute when Daniel Stone got the better of City's defence to lift the ball over Steve Smith.

City could have no complaints over the result, but will be happy to have a fully fit squad available for tomorrow.

Oxford City: Smith, Carbon (Saulsbury 54), Davis, Allaway, Merritt, Avery, Gardner, Redknap (Pond 58), Romeo, Fallonbridge, Telrmaque. Subs not used: Stewart, Woodruffe.

Referee: J Comley (Windsor).

Attendance: 177