Banbury United slumped to their fourth successive away defeat in the Evo-Stik Southern League on Saturday, when they lost 4-0 to a dominant St Albans side at Clarence Park.

In the only Premier Division game to beat the weather, high-flying Saints made light of the conditions Wayne Blossom returned to the centre of Banbury’s defence after serving his one -match suspension.

He played alongside debutant George Allen, who joined the club from Stevenage where he is a scholar in their academy.

After two impressive performances when coming on as a substitute, Chris Lait made his first start on the left side of midfield.

In fact, Lait had a chance to put the visitors ahead against the run of play, but saw his shot saved by Saints’ keeper Nick Jupp.

It was no surprise when the hosts took the lead after 23 minute through a superb strike from just outside the penalty area by Richard Graham.

Kynan Isaac went close to equalising for Banbury before a superb series of passing moves down the right ended with Greg Ngoyi mking it 2-0 from a narrow angle. Saints took charge in the second half.

Banbury’s defensive frailties were exposed in the in the 77th minute when Luke Cray and goalkeeper Lewis Kidd seemed have some communication problems and Chris Henry nipped in on the edge of the penalty area and then slotted the ball home.

The fourth goal arrived in the 89th minute when a cross from the right was hit home from short range by substitute Lewis Toomey.

Banbury boss Edwin Stein will be disappointed with his side’s display.

He will be hoping for a better performance when the Puritans entertain Leamington on Boxing Day.

Banbury Utd: Kidd, Cray, Martin, Blossom, Allen, Agyeman-Prempeh, Lait (Shariff 60), W Plowright (Bridges 29), Skendi, Isaac, Talabi (Dumbleton 74). Subs not used: Plowright, Ryan.

Attendance: 334.