York City boss Martin Foyle, the former Oxford United striker, admitted it was a painful defeat for him and his team.

“It is hard to take,” he conceded.

“Full credit to Oxford, they perhaps started the game better than us and the two early goals obviously gave them a massive lift.

“We knew they were under a lot of pressure and I knew Chris (Wilder) would be very direct in the first 20 minutes.

“But it was very disappointing for us, especially as James Meredith and Luke Graham collided for the second goal to let James Constable in.

“We couldn’t capitalise on the good passages of play we had, but my players have given me everything again.

“Oxford will be celebrating and I’m pleased for them. They’ve got fantastic support, even when I was there it was the same.

“Oxford were very strong with their front line,” admitted Foyle, who first made his name as a player for United at the Manor Ground.

“Financially, we’re miles off Oxford and miles off Luton. We’ve had a fantastic team spirit, and that’s what has got us here really. People think we’ve spent a lot of money, but we haven’t.

“It’s been a fantastic season. For next season we need to add more players with experience of the Conference.

“League players are so different.” The York boss had no complaints about the pitch, which was heavily criticised during the FA Cup final.

“I think the rain actually helped in terms of the ball zipping along,” he said.