Relegation-threatened Woodley Sports hit the woodwork twice but City had a goal harshly ruled out and a possible penalty claim turned down.

Striker Dave Foster volleyed the ball home from close range in the first half but his effort was disallowed for offside.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations from the hosts who survived relegation after it emerged bottom club Bridlington Town had lost against Chorley.

Woodley created a couple of excellent chances but City goalkeeper Ben Price was not severely tested throughout.

The only blot on Woodley's afternoon was the dismissal of substitute Tom Blacker deep into stoppage time.

Manager Barrie Stimpson was happy with his team's all-round performance and said: "Over the 90 minutes, we were the better side. We created chances and looked fairly solid at the back.

"I was also pleased with our attitude and it was a good result considering Woodley were busting a gut to stay in this league."

Although City extended their unbeaten run to two games on Saturday, the club only managed one victory in their final 13 matches of the season.
The Dolly Blues - who finished in eleventh place - saw their play-off hopes effectively disappear in late February and have since never recovered.

City boss Stimpson made three changes after his side's 1-1 draw against Rossendale United.

Neil Marshall replaced Craig Redhead at left-back, while the injured Mark Jackson made way for Jimmy Love.

Midfielder Mike Rushton returned from injury in place of Iain Swan, which meant Guy Heffernan joined Scott Greenwood in central defence.

Following a scrappy start, City midfielder Aaron Helliwell came close to scoring when he saw a venomous effort tipped over by home goalkeeper Paul Hodgkinson.

At the other end, City pressed forward and almost broke the deadlock. On 21 minutes, striker Love latched onto Mike Rushton's cross and saw a close-range effort brilliantly saved.

Moments later, the lively Rushton seized possession and swung in a perfect cross which Foster thumped into the roof of the net. City's top-scorer appeared to be onside but the linesman raised his flag.

The visitors continued to force Woodley onto the back foot but failed to take advantage of further chances.

Left-back Marshall had a free-kick blocked on 24 minutes and seconds later Rushton raced clear on goal but sent his shot flying over the bar.

However, Woodley responded well and went close when striker Andy Farrell headed over on 35 minutes.

There was also a real scare for City seven minutes later when Liam Berry struck the inside of the post from close range.

On the stroke of half-time, City appealed for a penalty when the ball appeared to hit the arm of a Woodley defender. Shortly after the referee shook his head, striker Love fired a long-range effort inches wide.

The second half continued in a similar vein as both sides created chances and effectively cancelled each other out.

A solid City defence, led by the impressive Greenwood, held firm and largely kept a spirited Woodley at bay.

The hosts started brightly and created three half-chances just after the interval. The hardworking Sam Walker, Mark Haslam and Farrell all struck efforts inches wide.

Meanwhile, City's Foster poked a tame effort straight at goalkeeper Hodgkinson from a great position midway through the half.

In a frantic finale, both sides wasted glorious chances to steal the points.

With six minutes left, home striker Farrell beat the offside trap, approached the advancing Price but sent a low shot crashing against the post.

A minute later, City's Marshall drilled the ball wide from point-blank range following great work from Tom Entwisle.

Shortly after Farrell missed another gilt-edged chance for Woodley, home substitute Blacker was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for foul and abusive language.

City: Price 7, Uberschar 6, Marshall 7, Greenwood 8, Heffernan 7, Stringfellow 6, Rushton 7 (Redhead 67), Entwisle 7, Foster 7, Love 7 (Rigby 81), Helliwell 6 (Jeffrey 61)

Woodley: Hodgkinson, Hogan, Kay, Haslam (Blacker 58), Boothby, Jarratt, McGuire, Walker, Berry (Challenor 80), Farrell, Hudson (Haley 58)

Starman: Scott Greenwood was commanding at the back

Referee: Oliver Yates

Attendance: 87