Mike Ford opted for the same side that had beaten Gosport Borough on Tuesday and as then Banbury got off to the best of starts when taking the lead in the fourth minute. A Tom Winters corner from the right saw Jefferson Louis use his experience to get free on the edge of the six-yard box to head the ball home.

The rest of the half would develop into an equal affair though the very strong wind made football very difficult. There were no decent chances for either side, with the ball frequently being over-hit by both sides though Louis looked as though he might be through on goal on a couple of occasions but the Dorchester defence had the pace to snuff out the danger before the United striker could get his shot away.

Just 25 seconds into the second half and Louis blasted the ball over the bar from just outside the Dorchester penalty area and ten minutes into the second half the same player was put through by Conor McDonagh but Chad Collins in the Dorchester did well to come out and smother the ball at the United striker’s feet.

But the all-important second goal would come for Banbury on 65 minutes when Ravi Shamsi got on to the end of a long ball and through on goal competently slotted it home low into the corner of the net from 12 yards.

Banbury defended well in the rest of the half when they had to and it was a measure of their defensive display that whilst Jack Harding handled crosses well in the windy conditions, he would not have to make any saves of note though the home side should have pulled a goal back with seven minutes left when a cross in from the left saw Sam Lanahan at the far post from close range head the ball inches wide when it looked easier to score.

Overall in the very windy conditions this was not a game for the football purist but United showed they had what it took to battle hard in such conditions and come away with a deserved three points.

Dorchester Town: Chad Collins, Kyle Egan, Neil Martin, Jordan Storey, Ross Carmichael, Luke Winsper, Tom Blair, Billy Lowes, Phil Ormrod (Tom Bearwish 68), Dom Panesar-Dower (Sam Lanahan 75), David Jerrard. Subs (not used): Edward Bastick, John Ross, Gary Bowles.

Banbury United: Jack Harding, Charlie Hawtin, Matt Peake-Pijnen, Darren Pond, Tom Bradbury, Luke Carnell, Jack Westbrook, Ravi Shamsi (George Nash 85), Jefferson Louis (Ricky Johnson 75), Conor McDonagh (Jack Self 63), Tom Winters. Subs (not used): Charlie Wise, Anton Sambrook.

Attendance: 396