Banbury United reached the semi-final of the Errea Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 win at Didcot Town last night.

The Puritans edged the first half, but were unable to find a way past keeper Chris Webb.

Jon Gardner was denied by a fine low save and then Ollie Stanbridge saw another effort turned away for a corner.

Didcot's best chance fell to Grant Goodall, who has yet to open his account for the Railwaymen in nearly 150 games, but his volley went wide with only Alan Judge to beat.

The home side were much brighter after the break, but it was Banbury who broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Stanbridge finished off a super move from close range.

The lead only lasted four minutes, however, as Paul Powell fired home from the edge of the box.

Things remained even until 20 minutes from time when Andy Baird (pictured) used his experience to work his way past Paul Bedwell and then go down in the box under the challenge of Jamie Heapy.

Skipper Heapy was red-carded, Gardner duly dispatched the spot-kick and the game was all but over.

Baird rubbed salt into the wounds with a third ten minutes from time.

Powell almost grabbed a consolation, but Judge rolled back the years with a stunning block.

Banbury now face the long trek to Tiverton Town in the semi-final.

Didcot: Webb, Goodall, Bedwell, Heapy, Green, Parrott, Witt, King, Brooks (Wickens 58), Jack (Spence 71), Powell Banbury: Judge, Bridges, Kinch, Sullivan, Blossom, Pond, Stanbridge, Redknapp, Forinton, Baird, Gardner.

Att: 323.