BANBURY United’s topsy-turvy season continued with a notable 3-1 Premier Division victory over in-form Bashley at the Spencer Stadium on Saturday.

The Hampshire visitors arrived at the ground on the back of three consecutive wins, but showed little craft against a dominant Banbury.

The display was all the more impressive as two key players – goalkeeper Dean Coleman and striker Tom Lorraine – left to join Halesowen Town and Bedworth United respectively on the eve of the match.

After home keeper Kwame Fordah saved Gary Middleton’s header in the third minute, it was Banbury who held sway.

They created an early opening when a shot from Kynan Isaac flew just inches wide of Stewart Kearn’s left-hand post. Luke Cray then saw a weak effort saved by Kearn.

The Puritans continued to look the better side, and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 27th minute.

Isaac got on to the end of a through ball from Marvin Martin and cleverly lifted it over the advancing Kearn into the corner of the net.

Edwin Stein’s team continued to dictate affairs and they thoroughly de-served to make it 2-0 on the hour.

Adam Fry’s free-kick took a deflection off the wall, with the ball falling nicely into the path of striker Adeyinka Talabi who had the easy task of stroking it home from six yards.

The third Banbury goal arrived on 75 minutes when a cross from the left by Isaac was met by Albi Skendi.

Although his initial shot from six yards was well saved, Skendi made no mistake with the rebound.

Just two minutes after going 3-0 down Bashley replied when a cross from the right was headed down to skipper Ian Richardson who tapped the ball home.

But Banbury suffered no more alarms as they moved further away from the relegation zone.

Banbury Utd: Fordah, Cray, Martin, Blossom, Ashton, Plowright, Fry (Dumbleton 63), Bridges, Skendi, Isaac, Talabi. Subs not used: Plowright, Ryan, Bodger.

Attendance: 208