Oxford City’s bid for a play-off place is over despite a dramatic 2-1 victory at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

A 4-1 success for Boston United at Solihull Moors and a 2-1 win for Guiseley over Chorley means City will not be able to catch their rivals with just one game left of the season.

But it wasn’t through a lack of trying, with Darren Pond equalising and Felipe Barcelos firing in a spectacular last-minute winner after Simon Russell had put the hosts in front.

City looked lethargic for much of the match, falling behind after 15 minutes following some poor defending.

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hris Hamilton found himself in front of goal after City had failed to cut out a cross.

Although right back Luke Coulson was on hand to block the shot on the goalline, Russell powered home the rebound.

City struggled to get back into the game, with the hosts looking more likely to extend their lead.

Hamilton got the wrong side of the defence several times without taking advantage.

It was Jamie Yates who went closest, striking the top of the City bar with an attempted lob from the left wing.

It was the introduction of Barcelos and Pond – fit again after a seven-match absence – in the second half which proved to be the turning point for City.

Within minutes of Barcelos’s arrival City were level when he broke down the right wing and found Marlon Jackson, who crossed for Pond to fire home from six yards.

With City knowing that a draw still wouldn’t have been enough, the visitors’ efforts to find a winner grew increasingly desperate in the latter stages.

When they were awarded a corner in the 90th minute the visitors threw everyone forward, including goalkeeper Salva de la Cruz.

Gainsborough’s backline failed to deal with the resulting ball across the penalty area and in the resulting confusion, Barcelos struck home a remarkable overhead kick to earn City a dramatic victory.

Even that wasn’t enough, however, as results elsewhere meant they were unable to close the gap on the play-off places, despite their mammoth efforts.

Oxford City: Salva, Coulson, Stonehouse, Del Alamo, Henderson, Santiago, Jackson, Fofana (Barcelos 69), Yussuf (Wilson 69), Balmy (Pond 55), Winters. Subs not used: Scott, Mullings.

Referee: S Oldham.

Attendance: 576.