OXFORD City’s slim play-off hopes were ended as they fell to a fifth defeat in six games – 3-1 away to Hemel Hempstead Town in Vanarama National League South.

Goals from Morgan Ferrier, Graeme Montgomery and Michael Richens gave the hosts a comfortable lead before Lee Henderson headed in a consolation.

For most of the first half, City, depleted by injury, held their own.

But with the half-time whistle looming they switched off and let in two quick goals.

In the 44th minute, Ferrier was allowed free rein on the right-hand side, cutting in and slotting it beneath keeper Laurie Walker to open the scoring.

In first-half injury time, Hemel doubled their lead thanks to Montgomery’s fierce strike.

And when Henderson was harshly penalised for handball in the box ten minutes into the second half, City’s chances of appeared to be over.

Walker, on his return to his former club, superbly denied Ben Herd from the penalty spot, but City failed to deal with the loose ball, which was played back across the face of goal for Richens to tap in.

City’s only cheer came when the towering Henderson was given a free header from a corner to pull a goal back.

Oxford City: Walker, Arzamendi, Lapoujade, Fleet (Peake-Pijnen 78), Henderson, Santiago, Pifarré (Benjamin 54), Lafuente, Bubb, Whichelow (McDonagh 54), Isaac. Subs not used: Awadh, Hunte.

Attendance: 546.