BANBURY United kept their Premier Division play-off hopes alive, but were forced to settle for a point at home to third-placed Hitchin Town.

Zac McEachran’s first-half goal for the Puritans was cancelled out by Jonny McNamara with nine minutes to go in the Evo-Stik Southern League clash.

The 1-1 draw sees Banbury slip three points adrift of the top six, but with two games remaining, including today’s clash against Leamington, they are not out of the play-off race.

In a first half of few opportunities, the Puritans’ best chances fell to George Nash and Conor McDonagh, but both failed to hit the target.

However, they did take the lead on 44 minutes when McEachran cut inside and beat Hitchin goalkeeper Michael Johnson at his near post.

The Puritans searched for a second and Ricky Johnson headed a McEachran cross wide on 52 minutes.

Banbury’s top-scorer had another opportunity, but just missed the target after Luke Carnell’s header from a corner had been half-cleared.

Tom Winters was denied by Michael Johnson, before Ricky Johnson fired over.

Hitchin pressed for an equaliser and they punished Banbury’s profligacy on 81 minutes when Robbie Burns’s shot fell to McNamara, who made no mistake from 15 yards.

Banbury Utd: Harding, Odhiambo, Martin, Nash, Westbrook, Carnell, McEachran, Self, Johnson, McDonagh (Duku 74), Winters (Bradbury 84). Subs not used: Bell, Browne, Blackstock.

Attendance: 740.