Banbury United were plunged into the Evostik Southern League Premier Division relegation fight following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Swindon Supermarine.

The home side’s opening goal should have been pulled back for offside, and Banbury were denied a penalty, but they cannot blame this defeat solely on officials.

Too often their front two were left isolated, while the side also failed to make the most of Ricky Johnson’s aerial prowess.

Manager Ady Fuller’s cause was not helped by the late withdrawal of Simeon Williams and Dan Chilton.

Johnson and Josh Blake, who hit the bar, went close before Swindon took the lead.

Bradley Gray appeared well offside when he received a clearance, but he was allowed to cross to the far post where Nick Stanley smashed home.

In the second half, Blake was brought down in the penalty area, but no foul was given.

Banbury threw everything at Swindon in the closing moment, but Max Etheridge sealed it for the hosts with a breakaway goal.

Banbury Utd: Kemp, Coleman, Kinch, Dolman, Thackeray, Emery, Howell, Cole, Johnson, Blake, Polk (Angus 44). Subs not used: Richardson, Lamb, Fuller.

Attendance: 173.