OXFORD City completed their Vanarama National League Southcampaign with a spirited display in their 1-0 defeat at title-chasing Ebbsfleet United, writes RYAN BRATLEY.

An early goal from Anthony Cook settled the result for the hosts, but it was not enough to prevent Maidenhead United landing the title. The Kent side, meanwhile, will go into the play-offs.

Ebbsfleet took the lead after five minutes when a quick break down saw Cook fire past City keeper Craig Hill.

They hosts should have doubled their lead in the ninth minute when Aaron McLean rose to meet a cross at the far post, only to be denied by Hill’s superb reaction save.

Reece Fleet created City’s first chance as he found Anderson with a superb cross but the Shrewsbury loanee’s volley hit the side-netting.

Ebbsfleet posed a serious threat from free-kicks, Jack Powell forcing Hill into an excellent save down to his right in the 22nd minute before hitting the bar in the 36th.

The hosts stayed on the front foot in the second half, Darren McQueen having a goal ruled out for offside.

The visitors then began applying some pressure of their own. Ezra Forde saw his dangerous ball across goal put behind for a corner before Godfrey Poku tested keeper Nathan Ashmore.

Jefferson Louis’s dipping effort drew a superb save, before the City defence made a series of good blocks.

A frenetic end saw Freddie Grant, Reece Fleet and Louis all seeing good efforts blocked inside the box.

Oxford City: Hill, Poku, Grant, Demuria (Carvalho 64), Essuman, Niate, Fleet, Davies, Louis, Anderson (Furlong 74), Forde (Fondop 64). Subs not used: Peake-Pijnen, Daramola.

Attendance: 395.