Narrow defeat on the final day.

Altrincham 1

Linney 42'

Oxford City 0

Oxford City were narrowly beaten in the final match of the Vanarama National League season, as Regan Linney’s penalty proved to be the decisive moment of the match.

Before the match, the 3,000 fans inside the J Davidson Stadium observed a minute’s silence for Brian Cox.

This was the first game for the club since the sad news of Brian’s passing.

The silence was impeccably observed by both sets of supporters, and both Oxford City and Altrincham wore black armbands throughout the game to pay their respects to City’s longest-serving Chairman.

He will be missed by everyone associated with Oxford City Football Club.

Selection

Ross Jenkins made four changes to the side that lost to Bromley on Tuesday evening.

The key midfield trio of Zac McEachran, Josh Ashby and Reece Fleet started a match together for the Hoops for the first time since the National League South Promotion Final victory over St Albans City in May 2023.

First Half

Coming into the match, Altrincham needed a win to secure a home tie in the Play-Off Eliminator.

However, despite the gap in the National League table, it was Oxford City who started the brighter of the two sides.

Reece Fleet had the first chance of the match, firing an effort from a tight angle straight at Alty ‘keeper Ethan Ross.

In truth, the first-half wasn’t free flowing and both teams struggled to keep the ball when it mattered most. City continued to probe the Altrincham defence, but when the ball found its way into the final-third, the finishing touches to impressive footballing moves were lacking.

It took twenty minutes for the hosts to have their first chance. Chris Conn-Clarke, one of the league’s standout players this season tried his luck, but his driven effort flew into the side netting and didn’t trouble Tom Watson.

Conn-Clarke was proving pivotal to every Altrincham move, but he found City stopper Watson in fine form to deny the talismanic midfielder.

Ten minutes from the interval, the number ten sent a fierce drive towards goal. His shot moved whilst in the air, and for a split second it looked like the shot was about to outfox Watson and float into the net.

Nevertheless, Watson backtracked and superbly tipped the shot over the crossbar with a fingertip save.

City continued to trouble the hosts, though. Despite that, Altrincham took the lead three minutes before the break via a penalty kick.

Giles Phillips’ outstretched leg brought down Alex Newby inside the area, and Regan Linney made no mistake from the spot, sending Watson the wrong way.

Half-Time: Altrincham 1-0 Oxford City

Second Half

City continued to bring the game to the hosts after the break.

Josh Ashby came close when his left-footed shot trickled across the box and evaded detection, but it continued to trickle just past the post.

Furthermore, an in-form Ethan Ross continued to be a thorn in City’s side.

The Alty ‘keeper produced two fine saves to tip shots from Harvey Greenslade and Josh Ashby round the post. City continued to impress.

However, in the 72^nd minute, we perhaps witnessed the save of the season.

Conn-Clarke sent a free-kick from the edge of the box round the wall, but as the shot looked like it was about to nestle in the top corner, Watson’s outstretched palm denied him. An incredible save.

However, despite City’s huff and puff, they couldn’t find a way past the Altrincham defence.

Now, Oxford City have to wait to see which league they will be placed in next season. Nevertheless, whatever division the Hoops are in, we’re looking forward to another season of twists and turns.

Attendance: 3,328 (72 Oxford City)

Line-Ups

Oxford City Starting XI

Oxford City Starting XI: Watson, Burley, Phillips, Ashby, Roddy, Coyle, Fleet © (Krasniqi 68’), McEachran (Moore 78’), Greenslade, Potter (Kirby 58’), O’Connell

Subs not used

Kabongolo, Birtwistle

Altrincham Starting XI

Ross, Banks, Jones, Baines ©, Osborne, Linney (Angus 73’), Conn-Clarke (Kosylo 73’), Amaluzor (Mooney 65’), Cooper, Hancox, Newby

Subs not used

,Roscoe, Haygarth