TWO goals from Conor McDonagh took Banbury United into the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division play-off places as they came from behind to win 2-1 at home to St Neots on Saturday.

In one of the few games to survive the freezing conditions, the Puritans fell behind to their struggling visitors, but McDonagh struck either side of half-time to lift Mike Ford’s side up to fifth place and extend their unbeaten run to nine games.

They started strongly as Mark Bell forced a good save from visiting keeper Alex Archer, while Marvin Martin saw his fierce effort deflected just past a post.

However, against the run of play St Neots took the lead in the 22nd minute.

A long throw from their new signing Johnny Herd was only cleared to the edge of the Banbury penalty area, and Jevani Brown struck the ball low into the corner of the net.

The hosts deservedly equalised three minutes before the interval when Bell found McDonagh down the left and the striker finished past the advancing Archer.

Two minutes into the second half, Banbury went in front.

West Bromwich Albion loanee James Smith crossed from the right to McDonagh, who netted his second goal from close range.

Two minutes later, a neat reverse pass by substitute Zac McEachran put McDonagh through and he shrugged off a couple of challenges before firing just over the bar.

St Neots went close to equalising when Declan Rogers shot just over the bar from the edge of the area.

The visitors then had a strong appeal for a penalty turned after Banbury keeper Jack Harding clattered into Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson when attempting to gather Luke Carnell’s misdirected header.

McEachran had a great chance to seal the game, but shot into the side-netting from a narrow angle.

Banbury had to defend well to preserve their lead but did so without undue alarm.

Banbury Utd: Harding, Westbrook, Gunn, Nash, Carnell, Odhiambo (Humphreys 64), White, Bell (McEachran HT), McDonagh, Smith (Asiedu Ofosu 66), Martin. Subs not used: Blackstock, Self.

Attendance: 427.