Banbury Utd 0

Farnborough 2 (Wheeler 56 pen, Harkness 89)

Banbury United produced a much-improved performance – but it wasn't good enough to stop Premier Division leaders Farnborough taking victory at the Spencer Stadium.

The scoreline possibly flattered the ex-Conference side as the game was goalless at half-time after a 45 minutes of free flowing, attacking foot- ball.

Banbury's first chance came when Ollie Stanbridge fired a speculative shot over the bar.

Banbury keeper Joe Murrell was then called into action to save Rob Saunders's long-range effort, before denying Darren Wheeler.

Murrell came to Banbury's rescue once more before the break when he pushed former Oxford United defender Dave Woozley's effort over the bar.

Michael Charles fired a great chance over from five yards for Fanrborugh early in the second half.

Midway through the second period, Farnborough broke the deadlock when Tom Breward bundled over an opponent in the area, and Darren Wheeler send Murrell ther wrong way from the penalty spot.

Banbury, who were missing the unavailable Ben Milner, had a lucky escape when Charles hit the bar.

However, they almost equalised when Nicky Gordon raced through only to have his shot smothered by Lyall Beazley.

Gordon then shot into the side neeting after Lewis Travers broke down the left.

And the Puritans fate was sealed a minute from time when Farnborough break away for substitute Paul Harkness to score.

The defeat sees Banbury slip two places to second from bottom.

Attendance: 386.