BANBURY UTD 3, ASHFORD TN 0: Norman Sylla made it 22 goals from 17 starts as his brace helped Banbury United move into third place in the Dr Martens League Eastern Division with a hard-fought victory on Saturday.

In front of their best crowd of the season, United, who are just a point off the summit, were dealt a double blow.

Firstly, Kieran Sullivan failed a late fitness test on a badly-twisted knee, and in the 12th minute, they lost their captain, Jon Corbett, to injury. Mark Essex came on to replace him in a reshuffled Banbury defence.

Ashford competed well in midfield, and were fairly sound at the back, but looked lightweight up front.

Likewise, United failed to impress early on, but on 23 minutes, scoring sensation Sylla, who this week has a trial at second division Brentford, broke the deadlock.

Essex played a long ball down the right for Sylla to chase. Under severe pressure, Ashford's Jay Westwood underhit a backpass, allowing Sylla to lob the keeper with ease.

After the break, Banbury's defence worked hard to keep Ashford at bay.

But in the 74th minute, the home side increased their lead with a fantastic goal from George Redknap.

The defender-turned-striker, who has contributed much to the success of Sylla, received the ball some 25 yards out, and went on a jinking run that saw him beat three defenders before smashing the ball home from 12 yards.

Five minutes from the end, Sylla sealed Banbury's win with a brilliant chip from an acute angle, after a perceptive ball from Jimmy Simpson. Banbury Utd: Tricker, Fuller, Blossom, Travers, Allen, Simpson, Corbett (Essex 12), Stanbridge, Sylla, Redknap, O'Neill. Subs not used: Jenkins, Brock.

Attendance: 402.