OXFORD City’s Vanarama National League South season ended on a high with a spirited second half comeback downing Dartford 2-1, denying their rivals a place in the play-offs.

Despite dominating the opening period, Mark Jones saw his side trailing to a Ronnie Vint header at the break.

But the introduction of Zac McEachran saw the substitute equalise within five minutes of the restart, before Kabongo Tshimanga grabbed what turned out to be the winning goal with half an hour remaining as City finished 12th in the table.

After both teams went close from set-pieces, Dartford took the lead on 33 minutes when a Ryan Hayes free-kick drew City goalkeeper Craig King off his line and Vint eventually headed into an unguarded net.

At the break, Dartford were in the final play-off place.

But that all changed following the arrival of McEachran.

The midfielder made his mark just four minutes later, smashing a dipping drive over Louis Wells and into the back of the net.

City continued to pour forward at every opportunity.

Brandon Thomas-Asante came within inches of giving his side the lead with a swerving shot which crashed off the inside of the post.

But top scorer Tshimanga went one better.

A patient build-up saw the ball fall at the striker’s feet and he turned his man before bursting into the box and slotted home to put City in front with his 36th goal in all competitions.

The visitors were unable to find a reply as Thomas-Asante, Tshimanga and substitute Craig Fasanmade all went close to adding a further goal.

Dartford won a string of corners, but were unable to convert as City warmed up for tomorrow’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup final against Banbury United with a welcome victory.

Oxford City: King, Self, Case, Ashby, Moore-Azille (McEachran HT), Oastler, Wiltshire, Fleet, Tshimanga, Thomas-Asante, Bawling (Fasanmade 73). Subs not used: Caro, O’Donoghue, Carter.

Attendance: 378.