Clevedon Tn 0

Oxford City 1 (Bell 82)

A goal from Mark Bell proved in vain for Oxford City’s play-off dreams, as Justin Merritt’s men missed out on a coveted fifth place in the Premier Division.

Both sides were desperate for the points for opposite reasons, City chasing the last play-off spot and Clevedon hoping to avoid relegation.

It was City that started brighter, an early free-kick from Dave Savage flying just wide.

A cross from Michael Lyon then found Declan Benjamin, but he misdirected his header.

Clevedon keeper Danny Greaves was then the home side’s saviour with two excellent saves from Darren Pond.

Clevedon created little in the first half, and their best chance came midway through the second half when Ryan Harrison reacted quickly to push over a close-range shot from Pete Sheppard.

With the home side seemingly content to settle for a point, City struck the winner with eight minutes remaining.

Michael Lyon’s cross into the centre avoided several defenders and the ball fell to substitute Bell at the far post to score from close range.

However, with news filtering through of Hemel Hempstead’s victory, City’s celebrations were short-lived, leaving them to wonder what might have been.

Oxford City: Harrison, Clarke, Ballard (Fisher 54), Gunn, Pond, Savage, Lyon, Malone (Lambert 23), Faulconbridge, Baird, Benjamin (Bell 59). Subs not used: Faulkner, R Brooks.

Attendance: 365.