OXFORD City fell to a 2-0 defeat at strugglers Poole Town on the final day of the Vanarama National League South season, writes RYAN BRATLEY.

With their safety already confirmed, the visitors headed into the encounter with no pressure on their shoulders.

But goals from former Oxford United striker James Constable and Steve Devlin earned Poole victory.

However, the win was not enough for the hosts, who were condemned to relegation after Hungerford Town beat East Thurrock United.

City created the first chance on five minutes, Reece Fleet’s volley from a half-cleared corner seeing goalkeeper Nick Hutchings desperately scramble before the ball landed on the roof of the net.

At the other end, home goalkeeper Craig King foiled midfielder Devlin and pounced quickly on the loose ball to deny the oncoming attackers as the hosts grew into the game.

The contest was ultimately defined by a three-minute spell shortly after the hour mark.

On 61 minutes, City’s Rob Sinclair appeared to be tripped in the penalty area following a weaving run through the defence, but was booked for simulation.

And they found themselves behind on 64 minutes when Constable found space on the left and smashed the ball past King.

Poole put the game beyond doubt with seven minutes to go as Devlin spotted King off his line and spectacularly lobbed the goalkeeper from 35 yards.

While the victory proved in vain for the hosts, Mark Jones’s City finished 16th in the table.

Oxford City: King, Jones, Stevens, Fofana (Poku 63), Musonda (McEachran 63), Oastler, Cotter (Tutton 77), Fleet, Paterson, Sinclair, Grant. Sub not used: Forde.

Attendance: 716.