Banbury United seemed on course for a vital victory in their battle against relegation from the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, when they led fellow strugglers Arlesey Town 2-0 at half-time on Saturday.

But the visitors were unable hold to hang on to the lead given to them by Jack Westbrook and Carl Tappin and had to settle for a 2-2 draw

The Puritans took the lead in the eighth minute.

Jordan Green’s shot was tipped behind by Arlesey keeper Nick Thompson. From the resultant corner, taken by Hicham Abdellah, Westbrook fired home via a post.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 25th minute.

Kynan Isaac’s long cross from the left found Abdellah, who put in an excellent low whipping cross for Tappin to net from close in.

Arlesey started the second half strongly.

In the 51st minute, substitute Geoff Mitchell pulled a goal back with a shot from the edge of the area.

Banbury went close when Abdellah let fly from a narrow angle, but Thompson tipped the ball over the bar.

The last ten minutes saw Arlesey push forward in search of an equaliser.

This duly arrived four minutes from time when some poor defending from United allowed Martell Powell to slot the ball home from six yards.

Banbury Utd: Bedwell, Walcott, Martin, Westbrook, Tappin, Ryan, Green, Hartigan, Talabi (Murombedzi 57), Isaac (Howards 54), Abedellah. Subs not used: Browne, Cray, Martin.

Attendance: 146.