Striker Matt Green hit a hat-trick as Oxford United retained the Oxfordshire Senior Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 victory against battling Banbury United on Wednesday night.

Green’s impressive display of finishing was the difference between the two sides in the final at the Kassam Stadium, with Banbury struggling to cope with Oxford’s slick passing game.

Green opened his account for the U’s, who named eight first-teamers in their line-up, with a neat lob after a long kick from keeper Billy Turley.

And they almost doubled the lead, but ex-U’s youngster Declan Benjamin kept out Lewis Chalmers’ effort withkeeper Joe Murrell stranded.

Banbury came more into the game with Lewis Hilliard and David Stone causing the United defence problems with their pace, though the former was cursing his luck after heading Marvin Martin’s super cross straight at Turley.

Seconds later, Green hit No 2 with a powerful finish after good work from Alfie Potter and John Grant.

Any chance of a Banbury revival ended a minute after the break when Green completed his tally with a fine individual effort.

Banbury skipper George Redknap pulled a goal back after substitute Nabil Sharif’s shot was parried by Turley, but they were never in danger of letting go of the cup.

Oxford United first-team coach Mickey Lewis said: “I thought we played well and put on a professional performance. But all credit to Banbury, they never gave up.”

Banbury Utd: Murrell, Redknap (Foster 82), Ashton, Milner, Learoyd, Stanbridge, Coleman, Benjamin, Stone (Sharif 60), Hilliard, Martin. Subs not used: Staff, Scott.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Parish, Likita, Chalmers, Owen, Sandwith, Potter (McDonagh HT), Deering (West 59), Grant, M Green (Woodley 54), Cook. Subs not used: Willett, Silver.

Referee: P Redmond. Attendance: 650.