York City boss Martin Foyle admitted that defeat was hard to take as he began to face up to the propsect of another season of non-league football.
The Minstermen never recovered from an awful start that saw defensive mistakes cost them two goals inside the first twenty minutes at Wembley.
Oxford goalkeeper Ryan Clarke did offer them a brief lifeline when turning a Ben Purkiss cross into his own net just before half-time.
However, substitute Alfie Potter clinched a well-deserved win for their opponents in the final minute and a return to the Football League after four years away.
“Defeat is hard to take,” Foyle told BBC Radio York. “Once we got the goal back we knew we would have a chance but we could not get that second goal.
“The players have given me everything and I’ve got a very deflated dressing room.
“We are a bit behind Oxford in terms of quality and experience, but with the FA Cup and FA Trophy runs we had, and getting to the play-off final, it’s been a magnificent season,” he continued.
“Hopefully the players will be stronger for this experience. Most of them are under contract for next season, including Richard Brodie, who we are talking to about a new one.”
Foyle was quick to stress that it would still be very hard next season, and that he was keen to avoid any adverse reaction for what will be the Minstermen’s seventh campaign at this level.
“I want to bring in some players with more experience of the Conference because it’s completely different to the Football League,” he added.
“But it is going to be harder next season because I already know Grimsby’s and Darlington’s budgets, and Fleetwood, who are coming up, are moneybags.
“So, it will be harder but I think the points you need to get into the play-offs will be a lot less.”
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