Gloucester City vice captain Joe Hanks admits his side “haven’t been good enough” after having their departure from the National League North confirmed.
The Tigers welcomed Chester to the Tiger Turf stadium for a must-win game for the club to have chance of survival.
A thin layer of hope soon turned to despair as the Seals took an early two goal advantage.
Despite young Owen Brian pulling one back for the home side, a second half rampage from Chester relegated the home side after a 15-year spell at step two football.
“It’s hard to put into words really,” Hanks said. “I’m just extremely disappointed, all I can do is apologise.
“It’s happened too many times this season, I’m lost for words really. I really am sorry, this hurts.
“We went 1-0 up but then we just fell apart. This is something the fans have unfortunately experienced a lot this season.”
The relegation from the National League North would mean joining the Southern League South and the Tigers are on track for their worst ever league finish.
Despite the doom and gloom, Gloucester City can still see a glimmer of hope via the Gloucestershire County FA Cup final against Bishops Cleeve at the Tiger Turf Stadium which is set to take place on Tuesday, April 23.
“We need to make sure this last game we carry on and don’t give up,” Hanks rallied. “Hopefully the fans can turn up and continue to support us.
“I can only reiterate what I said earlier I know how it feels, it’s hurt us a lot.”