The 2008-09 campaign was a season of devastating near-miss for Oxford United as The Us finished 7th in the Conference Premier. The club was ultimately denied a coveted play-off spot due to a crippling five-point deduction for fielding an unregistered player. Leading the charge was the prolific loanee James Constable, whose 23 league goals, including a debut double in a thrilling 6-3 victory over Eastbourne Borough, proved decisive in an agonizing season where their strong on-field performance and superb home record were just short of securing a return to the Football League.