The league’s runaway top scorer ensured that the league’s runaway leaders could no longer mathematically be caught as Ebbsfleet lifted the National League South trophy at full-time.

Following last week’s thumping 4-0 win against Tonbridge Angels, Ross Jenkins made just the one change to his side as captain Reece Fleet returned following injury in place of Latrell Humphrey-Ewers.

It was a promising start to the match for City, who, like their hosts, were playing a neat passing game along the pristine surface. The left wing seemed the most likely avenue for City, however a number of bursting runs from Zac McEachran and Lewis Coyle were never really able to produce a decisive ball into the box.

The former found himself in the book after nine minutes with a late challenge on Greg Cundle, meaning the creative player had a slightly more restrictive role for the remainder of the game.

But just a couple of minutes later, and the Fleet had the lead. A ball was delivered to Poleon just inside the box, and he was cleverly able to turn his defender, and quickly get a shot away with Adnan Kanuric left with no chance.

City’s reaction was good, and after 25 minutes had a Josh Ashby shot from outside the box that had to be saved by Mark Cousins.

The Fleet defence was resolute throughout, with the Hoops rarely able to pierce a ball through, but a rare occasion saw a fine one touch move see a ball flicked through to Reece Fleet, who was just unable to keep his volleyed effort below the crossbar.

City came out of the break much like the start of the first period – looking positive, with their opponents content allowing the Hoops to play their passing game in midfield.

With the Hoops looking to try and rescue something from the match, this always left the Fleet dangerous on the break, particularly with a striker like Poleon ready to pounce on even the slightest mistake.

The game, and title, was all but sewn up just five minutes later, as Poleon was played clear down the wing. Canice Carroll had stayed with the striker, and looked to put a block in as he pulled the trigger. He did get a touch on the ball, but wasn’t enough as it nestled in the corner of the net to double the lead.

Two quickly became three, as in much the same way, Poleon got in behind the City defence, and when he entered the box, there was little doubt as he picked out the bottom corner to complete yet another hat-trick.

The hosts continued to threaten on the break following this however, thankfully for the Hoops, their finishing had turned somewhat wasteful. Billy Clifford was the first as he dragged a shot wide, before Omari Sterling-James was only able to blaze a shot over the bar.

Another fell to Poleon, and for once his volleyed effort cleared the crossbar.

But the Hoops still had their opportunities, and came close twice from corners – one found the head of Lewis Miccio whose header crashed the crossbar, before a Carroll trademark header at the back post just sailed over the bar.

Certainly a tough day in the office for the Hoops, but a huge congratulations from everyone at Oxford City to Ebbsfleet for sealing the title with a few games left to go.

But attentions turn to a huge game on Bank Holiday Monday with a 3^rd vs 4^th clash as Chelmsford City visit the RAW Charging Stadium. Both sides sit on 71 points, and certainly feels like an all to play for match in pursuit of that third place. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Oxford City: Kanuric, Davies, Miccio, Ashby, Coyle, Fleet (Humphrey-Ewers 70), McEachran (Iaciofano 62), Lolos, Potter (Burley 82), Williams-Bushell, Carroll. Unused: Carbon, Wilson

Attendance: 3,131