GEORGE Nash’s first-half strike saw Banbury United come from behind to earn a point at home to Weymouth, but they slipped further adrift of the play-offs.

The Puritans are now nine points behind the Premier Division’s top five, while Slough Town, who occupy the last spot, have two games in hand.

Mike Ford handed a debut to Tom Winters after the winger signed on a month’s loan from Oxford City, but there was no place in the side for Andy Gunn, who it was later revealed had been released.

Banbury’s other new signing Manny Duku started on the bench.

The Puritans got off to a nightmare opening, when Jack Westbrook bundled over Ben Thomson in the penalty area on three minutes and Charlie Davis made no mistake from the spot.

Banbury grew into the game and levelled on 22 minutes.

Jack Self found Nash, who hit a shot high into the top corner from the edge of the area, giving Weymouth goalkeeper Tom McHale no chance.

The visitors dominated the opening stages of the second half, but Banbury went on to create the better opportunities in front of goal.

Self fired wide, before Ricky Johnson headed Eddie Odhiambo’s cross just over the bar.

Weymouth’s Tiago Sa stabbed wide after a goalmouth scramble as the sides had to settle for a point apiece.

Banbury Utd: Harding, Westbrook, Winters (Humphreys 88), Nash, Carnell, Self, White (Odhiambo 60), McDonagh (Duku 76), Johnson, McEachran, Martin. Subs not used: Bradbury, Smith.

Attendance: 411.