OXFORD City were given a major boost last night when Vauxhall Motors announced their resignation from Skrill North because of financial costs.

Although league general manager Dennis Strudwick said they had yet to receive official confirmation of the Motormen’s resignation, it is understood they are set to leave at the end of this season.

It would mean that only two clubs instead of three would be relegated and with City second from bottom in the table, it could not be better news at the end of a week they would rather forget.

They were docked three points when it was discovered that one of their players, Liam Malone, played against Worcester City while serving a suspension.

And on Tuesday, Mike Ford’s men put up a poor performance as they lost 1-0 away to the bottom club Workington.

Cheshire outfit Vauxhall are 15th in the table with ten games remaining this season.

They have twice been reprieved from relegation, in 2008 and 2010, after other clubs’ financial problems.

Chairman Alan Bartlam said in a statement: “This now unsustainable position has been going on for several years.

“Vauxhall Motors, like many other clubs, are confronted with the reality of low gates and ever-increasing costs. “It is anticipated this season will result in another sizeable financial loss eating into a legacy of finances that we were fortunate to inherit over a decade ago and to do nothing would be foolhardy.

“As a responsible committee administering a club that was founded over 50 years ago, and a club that we would wish to continue for another 50, with responsibilities beyond the Football Conference to some 30 teams, youth, junior and ladies catering for over 400 children within Ellesmere Port and beyond, it has become necessary to withdraw the senior side from the established pyramid.

“We have enjoyed 19 fabulous seasons in that pyramid, but now we must restructure, stabilise and rebuild again.”

Strudwick confirmed that subject to confirmation of the decision, only two teams would be relegated this season.

Vauxhall Motors began life as the works team of the Vauxhall Elles-mere Port car plant and spent all their time in non-league.

Their most famous result came in 2002 when they beat QPR at Loftus Road on penalties in the FA Cup.