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Oxford boss Chris Wilder

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Oxford United 3-1 York City

Oxford United secured promotion to the Football League by defeating York City 3-1 in a rain-swept Blue Square Premier play-off final at Wembley on Sunday.

In a tense affair, United prevailed thanks to goals by Matt Green (15), skipper James Constable (21) and Alfie Potter (90), while U's goalkeeper Ryan Clarke gifted City a 41st minute effort when he fumbled a seemingly innocuous punt into his box.

The Yellows started the game brightly, taking an early lead as Green turned sharply on the edge of the area before firing home in clinical fashion.

Chris Wilder's charges continued to press and doubled their lead soon after when Constable powered home with his left foot after controlling nicely.

The Minstermen then pulled one back shortly before the break when Clarke fumbled a regulation catch and the ball bounced off his head before crossing the line.

City came at United in the second stanza with striker Michael Rankine guilty of missing a great chance when he fired wide after showing good strength on the ball.

Wilder's men were increasingly pushed on to the defensive as the half matured. However, the defence held firm and Potter managed to seal the result in injury time when he buried a chance after City failed to clear a corner.

The result means United will join Blue Square Premier champions Stevenage in League Two next season.

Oxford United booked: None.

York City booked: Lawless.

Ref: Michael Naylor.