BANBURY United missed a chance to go third in the British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division as they went down 2-1 to Yate last night.

They went behind after only two minutes from a corner when Adam Simms found the net, and six minutes later, Dave Elsey hit the Banbury crossbar from a free-kick.

The home side battled back with Jon Gardner's shot flying over the top and then Ady Fuller free-kick was well saved by Tony Court in the Yate goal.

Banbury levelled on 27 minutes. Andy Baird's header hit a Yate upright from a Fuller free-kick and Court could only push the ball into his own net.

Three Yate players were booked in the first half of a very physical game, Banbury's one and only chance after the break came on 51 minutes when Howard Forinton was put through but shot wide.

Yate grabbed the winner in the 72nd minute. Tommy Kinch was penalised for a foul and Elsey hit the free-kick around the Banbury wall into the corner.

Banbury: Judge, Bridges, Kinch, Fuller, Hayward, Pond, Stanbridge, Redknap, Forinton (Blossom 76), Baird (Jackson 85), Gardner (Lazarus 73). Sub not used: Szczukiewicz.

Attendance: 250.