Hitchin Tn 2 (George 68, Barnes 69)

Banbury Utd 0

Banbury United can consider themselves unlucky not to have got at least a share of the points in this Premier Division relegation tussle.

But this result sees Hitchin climb above Banbury, who are now deeper in trouble.

The best chance early on fell to George Redknap in the 13th minute, who connected well with a right-wing cross, but Hitchin keeper Martin Bennett saved well.

Banbury’s best opening came in the 29th minute when Nicky Gordon took the ball to the bye-line and crossed to the near post, but Daniel Stone’s close-range shot was blocked on the line.

The rebound fell to Redknap, whose shot was blocked, and then Gardner picked up the loose ball, only for Bennett to save again. The final rebound was blasted over.

Banbury had the ball in the net just before the hour when Stone’s cross found Ollie Stanbridge, who rose to head home, but a linesman’s flag halted celebrations for a dubious offside decision.

Milner, who had earlier been booked, was sent off after fouling Ieuan Lewis, and Hitchin opened the scoring from the free-kick, Liam George rifling home.

Straight from kick-off, Banbury lost the ball and Banbury hit a 30-yarder over Banbury keeper Joe Murrell and into the net.

Banbury Utd: Murrell, Stringfellow, Stanbridge, Milner, Bennett, Redknap, Bridges (Travers 82), Forinton, Stone, Gordon, Gardner (Haisley 69). Subs not used: Blake, Sambrook, Peppiatt.

Attendance: 314.