New assistant manager, Steve Ball, in charge on a caretaker basis for one game, presided over a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Rochdale this afternoon.

Joe Edwards’ 53rd minute equaliser was sandwiched by goals from Rochdale attackers Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (18) and Calvin Andrew (69) to round off a disappointing season for the already-relegated U’s.

Ball said: “It was a brave effort, but I think the best side won.

“I thought we started quite well, but after that it went a bit flat.

“We picked up the pace in the second half and got a good equaliser, but it rather petered out at the end.

“We can play some good one-touch football, as we’ve shown all season, but we all know that we have to improve our game out of possession.

“That’s something we will be working on for next season, and that work starts from next week,” added Ball.

Teenage keeper James Bransgrove made his senior debut as a last-minute call-up, due to Dillon Barnes being caught in traffic.

Ball said: “I thought James did really well for us. He made some good saves, and is one of many good young playerss we have at the club.”