A PENALTY from Ricky Johnson in first-half stoppage time sealed a 1-0 derby victory for leaders Banbury United at Didcot Town.

Both sides were missing a number of players for the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West clash, with Didcot dealt a further blow just before kick-off when Jack Longford had to be replaced by James Tanner after feeling unwell.

Much of the first half saw both sides cancelling each other out, until just before half-time when Banbury began to put the pressure on.

And in injury time, Mike Ford’s side went ahead when Zac McEachran was tripped in the area and Johnson sent Leigh Bedwell the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Didcot came close to equalising almost immediately after the restart when Marvin Martin fired in an effort from 35 yards that Banbury keeper Jack Harding did well to tip over the bar.

The hosts looked the better in the early stages of the second half, but did not seriously threat the Banbury goal.

When Mark Janes forced a saved from Harding, a long throw from the keeper set Felipe Barcelos free.

The Banbury man broke forward, but saw his shot hit a post.

Didcot pushed forward late on, but Banbury held firm for a priceless three points, which ensures they will at least be in the play-offs come the end of the season.

Didcot Tn: Bedwell, Collins, Organ, Ballard, Carnell, Learoyd, Woodhouse, Martin, Janes, Tanner, Noble (Longford 81).

Subs not used: Beer, Morgan, Macdonald, Lovegrove.

Banbury Utd: Harding, Blackstock, Hopkins, Stanbridge (Martin 57), Browne (McCarthy 77), Westbrook, McEachran, Nash, Johnson, Barcelos (Howards 78), Bell. Subs not used: Platt, Rimmer.

Attendance: 264.

North Leigh built on their 5-4 midweek win with a 0-0 draw at fourth-placed Winchester City in a game the visitors could have won.

Jamie Cook twice went close for the Millers early on, while defender Stuart Hole did well to block Micky Hubbard’s shot.

Cook was denied by home goalkeeper Brendan Norris in the first minute of the second half, before the stopper then saved George Seacole’s effort.

North Leigh nearly won it late on, but Seacole’s shot was superbly kept out by Norris.

North Leigh: Foster, Elkins, Steedman, Turk, Westlake, Hole, Else (M Woodley 81), L Williams, Cook, Seacole (Osborne-Ricketts 81), M Williams (Brown 90+3). Sub not used: Taylor

Attendance: 168.

Wantage Town drew 0-0 at home to Wimborne Town.

But Stuart Cattell’s side are now only five points clear of the relegation zone after Burnham won 1-0 at AFC Totton.