Oxford City gave a disappointing end-of-season display as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against current Ryman Division 1 form side Barking at Court Place Farm on Saturday.

After an even first half-hour, once the visitors went ahead, they controlled midfield and looked the more likely to add to the scoreline against a City side forced to make several changes.

Straight from the kick-off, Steve Arkins cut back inside, only for his effort to be blocked.

Danny Wise volleyed over and after Arkins had been tugged back on the edge of the box, Lewis Craker was just wide with a header from the free kick.

Chris Brain got down well to save from Black, but the visitors went ahead in the 37th minute. City failed to clear a cross from the left, and Thomas sent a powerful drive inside the near post.

With an assistant referee pulling a muscle early in the second half, Barking secretary, Roger Tilbury took over the flag, the second time in successive matches against City he had been called into action!

As the visitors got on top, Julian Dark charged down a goalbound strike from Turner, and Brain saved from Allen.

City replied with a good effort from Matty Whitehead which flashed across goal and Wise headed another chance wide.

With 20 minutes left, United were creating openings but were being let down by their final ball, and it should have proved costly in the 75th minute, when Ruston did well to beat out Wise's fierce shot, and Mark Druce blazed the rebound over from close range.

However, there was no doubting the visitors deserved their sixth win, from their last seven games.

Oxford C: Brain, Woodhouse, Dark, Smith, Craker, Fontaine (Lewis 69), Whitehead, Ferreira, Druce, Wise, Arkins (Morgan 60). Sub not used: McIntosh. Referee: J Cowley.

Attendance: 121.