Banbury Utd 2, St Leonards 1: Banbury United stretched their unbeaten Dr Martens Eastern Division run to 16 games with Saturday's victory which was more convincing than the scoreline suggests.

They were in for a shock early on though, when St Leonards took the lead after three minutes. Peter Baker's free-kick was blocked and he drove the rebound past unsighted keeper Simon Tricker.

Following a 16-minute break in play when one of the assistant referees was unable to continue because of an injury, Banbury hit back, and young keeper Peter Newstead made the first of many good saves to thwart Norman Sylla.

However, four minutes later, United equalised when a long pass from Tricker fooled the St Leonards defence, and Sylla broke through to lob the advancing Newstead.

In the 32nd minute, Newstead saved well from George Redknap, but the score stayed at 1-1 at the break.

Sylla twice hit a post before Banbury grabbed their second from a free-kick.

Jimmy Simpson's inch-perfect cross was headed home by the diving Jason Allen at the far post.

Banbury took command for the last 30 minutes to ensure victory, the only real effort of note being another good save by Newstead from Redknap.

Banbury: Tricker, Fuller, Blossom, Sullivan, Allen, Simpson, Travers, Stanbridge, Sylla, Redknap, O'Neill (Taylor 68). Subs (not used): Essex, Wallbridge, Brock.

Attendance: 350.