GOALS from Jack Self and Luke Carnell helped Banbury United return to winning ways, with a 2-0 victory at home to Cambridge City on Saturday.

Two successive defeats had dented the Puritans’ Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division play-off chances, but sharp finishing, backed by a tight defence, earned the three points.

Banbury started strongly, Conor McDonagh finding space on the edge of the City penalty but firing wide.

At the other end, Goldy Capela’s low cross from the left by-line found Matthew Foy, but Carnell blocked the shot.

After McDonagh fired wide with a snap-shot, Banbury took the lead on the half-hour.

Following a deep cross from Marvin Martin, Ricky Johnson rose at the far post to head back across goal where Self chested the ball down and hit a superb left-footed volley into the top corner from 15 yards.

Just before half-time, McDonagh was denied by former Puritans’ keeper Dean Snedker, who saved with his legs, while Carnell threw himself in front of City substitute Emanuel Osei’s goalbound effort.

Early in the second half, Self’s close-range shot was blocked by City defender Jordan Gent, while Snedker saved well from Johnson.

After an eventful opening to the second period, Banbury remained in control and made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute.

Centre back Carnell headed home at the far post from Martin’s corner.

City finished strongly, but goalkeeper Jack Harding was untroubled, while Osei fired a last-minute chance over the bar.

Banbury Utd: Harding, Westbrook, Bradbury, Nash, Carnell, Self (Odhiambo 66), White, McDonagh (Humphreys 46), Johnson, McEachran (Browne 79), Martin. Subs not used: Bell, Gunn.

Attendance: 425.