Harry Jervis’s sending-off just before half-time proved the turning point as Banbury United suffered their third successive defeat in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division with a 2-0 reverse at Hitchin Town last night.

The game was goalless when Jervis saw red for a foul in the 42nd minute, despite winning the ball as an uneventful first half ended in controversial fashion.

Banbury fell behind five minutes into the second half when Dan Webb rose above the defence to head home from a corner.

Substitute Liam Howards saw his shot for Banbury pushed round a post by Hitchin keeper Tahj Bell.

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But the hosts doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Robbie Burns broke away to fire past Leigh Bedwell.

Josh Shama had a great chance to pull one back for Banbury late on, but shot wide when clean through.

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