St Leonards 2, Banbury Utd 1

Banbury paid the price for an inept first-half as a fairly ordinary St Leonards side took all three Dr Martens Eastern Division points on Saturday.

Last Saturday's hero, keeper Simon Tricker, became the villain in the 12th minute when he tried to do a 'Fabien Barthez'.

But instead of clearing the ball, he kicked it against Simon Fox, and the rebound flew into the net to put the home side 1-0 up.

In stifling temperatures, Banbury looked lethargic in the first half, and never troubled the home keeper throughout the opening 45 minutes.

The visitors went further behind in the 36th minute when Tony Reid was allowed enough time to shoot through a crowded goalmouth, his deflected shot giving Tricker little chance.

For the second game running, Banbury only started to play in the second-half, but being two goals adrift always meant that they were chasing the game. They started to apply pressure to the Saints goal and keeper John Odlum made a brilliant triple save in the 50th minute from Jimmy Simpson (twice) and Matty Travers.

Banbury were now in complete control and in the 53rd minute, Ben Milner played the ball through to Simpson, who slipped it past Odlum into the net, only for the referee to blow for offside.

However, in the 59th minute Banbury pulled one back, Matty Gooderick heading the ball over the keeper and into the top corner.

Banbury continued to push St Leonards back on their heels, Gooderick and George Redknap having shots cleared off the line.

The visitors' lack of good fortune was summed up in the 89th minute when Tony Joyce's snap shot crashed against a post.

Banbury Utd: Tricker, Wallbridge, Joyce, Sullivan, Simpson, Fuller, Corbett, Travers, Milner, Gooderick, McKay (Redknap 59). Subs not used: Harrison, Muckelberg.