BANBURY United have effectively secured Vanarama National League North football for next season after a draw at home to promotion hopefuls Alfreton Town.
The points leaves the Puritans six points above the relegation zone with two games to go.
Andy Whing’s side boast a goal difference swing of 18 compared to Farsley Celtic, the team just inside the bottom four.
READ ALSO: Liam Manning addresses Josh Murphy’s absence from matchday squad
Ben Radcliffe gave Banbury the lead after 83 minutes against Alfreton, when he volleyed in at the back post following a long throw-in.
However, the visitors equalised three minutes later when Jordan Thewlis forced home after a scramble in the penalty box.
After the game, Whing said: “I’m disappointed we didn’t get the three points, I think we massively deserved the three points.
“I thought there was only one team really looking to win the game and I think we thoroughly deserved the three points with the chances we had and the way we played.
“We limited them to two chances, one was a scrappy goal really.
“Other than that, I’m really pleased with the performance.
“We changed shape a little bit, we released our wingers and our full backs got higher.
“The energy in the performance was outstanding, I’m disappointed we didn’t win the game but I’m really pleased with the players and proud we’re mathematically safe, which is a great achievement for the football club.”
Thame United lifted the Oxfordshire Senior Cup for the ninth time in their history after a 4-1 win against Oxford City.
Dan West scored two free kicks to put the Red Kites two goals to the good after 25 minutes.
Dave Pearce lobbed Alex Grantham after half an hour, before Jefferson Louis added the fourth just before the hour mark.
Teenager Charlie Bacon bagged a late consolation for the Hoops.
A busy few days for @ChinnorRFCThame with former England player Nick Easter set to stay as director of rugby and a fifth win in six at the weekendhttps://t.co/zMdrKESUAo
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) April 18, 2023
In Southern League Central Division, Kidlington moved up to eighth with a stoppage time winner at Welwyn Garden City.
The home side took the lead through Matteo Esposito, however Kidlington hit back when Steve Robertson equalised immediately after the half-time break.
Both teams were reduced to 10 men with 25 minutes to go, with the hosts then seeing goalkeeper Charlie Crowley sent off after handling outside the area.
Kidlington won the game two minutes into injury time when Matthew Cheetham headed home an Owen James corner.
North Leigh must win their remaining two games to stay in Southern League Premier South, beginning with a trip to 11th-placed Plymouth Parkway tonight.
The Millers are five points inside the bottom four with two games to go.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here