Banbury United slipped into the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division relegation zone after a 2-0 home defeat by derby rivals Brackley Town at Spencer Stadium yesterday.

Brackley’s clinical finishing proved the difference.

Early on, Banbury keeper Andy Kemp twice denied Gary Mulligan, while at the other end, Ricky Johnson broke through only for Billy Turley to save with his legs.

Five minutes before the break, Brackley went ahead after Banbury’s defence failed to clear and Elliot Sandy netted from close in.

Three minutes into the second half, Howard Forinton’s well-struck shot was pushed out by Turley.

Brackley sealed the win when Brett Solkhon headed in a corner.

Mulligan should have made it 3-0, but Kemp tipped his shot over.

Banbury tried to get back in the game, but Brackley held firm.

Banbury Utd: Kemp, Williams, Kinch, Thackeray, Chilton (Blake 45), Coleman, Howell (Angus 67), Cole, Johnson, Forinton (Edmond 83), Polk.

Attendance: 483.

l Oxford City’s trip to Hemel Hempstead Town was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.