Bicester ladies finished their Trysports Three Counties League Premier 1 campaign with a 4-1 defeat at home to local rivals Oxford.

Trailing 4-0 at half time, it took great strength of spirit to pull a goal back in the second half through Lorraine Brickell and deny their opposition any further score.

The result means Bicester finish one off the bottom in the table.

Bicester men’s 3rd gave themselves a chance to avoid the drop in Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Division 6 of the South League with a 2-1 win away to Tring 3rd.

The reliable Nick Styles put Bicester ahead from a penalty corner, but Tring equalised when a cross from their right wing was cruelly deflected past goalkeeper Darren Moore.

The second half was evenly contested until three minutes from time, when CJ Birtles fired home Bicester’s winner.

With just two games left, Bicester’s fate is now in their own hands, and one more win should ensure safety.