Banbury Utd 0

Halesowen Tn 2 (Bruce 25, 49)

Banbury United’s Premier Division relegation fears increased after a shambolic performance saw them lose to bottom club Halesowen at Spencer Stadium.

The visitors, thrashed 8-0 at home by Evesham United last week, could field only two substitutes.

But it didn’t stop them beating Banbury, who have now failed to score in five of their last six games.

Billy Jeffrey’s side were easily the better side in the opening exchanges, and Halesowen rode their luck at times.

But they grew in confidence and took the lead in the 25th minute when the unmarked Anthony Bruce sidefooted a right-wing cross into an empty net.

Five minutes later, United got the ball into the net with a great move involving Declan Benjamin.

But when his powerful drive was palmed out by Flower, Marvin Martin was adjudged to be in an offside position when he lashed home the rebound.

Unfortunately for Banbury, that was as good as it got, and four minutes into the second half, Bruce headed home from a corner for his second.

United huffed and puffed but the team did not look too interested as a whole, and they were booed off.

Banbury Utd: Murrell, Stanbridge (Staff 52), Maddox, Gordon, Learoyd, Farquharson (McDonald 52), Coleman, Benjamin, Stone, Martin (Rose 56), Ashton. Sub not used: Taylor.

Attendance: 219.