Banbury dropped down to fourth from bottom of the Southern League Premier Division after a 2-0 defeat to Chippenham Town at Hardenhuish Park this afternoon.

Chippenham began the better of the two sides putting Banbury under some pressure early on. A good save by Scott Dutton in the Banbury goal in the 13th minute from a shot from the edge of the area kept United level.

Though Chippenham were dominant at least there was promise on the few occasions that United were able to move forward with Kynan Isaac, Albi Skendi, Nic Evangelinos and Claudio Dias all looking lively.

On 34 minutes a corner from the right eventually fell to Marcus Green but his shot from a narrow angle from ten yards struck the post before coming out and being cleared.

Four minutes later and Dutton picked up a back pass. The indirect free-kick from six yards was knocked to Alan Griffin who fired it home through a mass of players.

Banbury began the second half much better. There were a couple of early corners in quick succession which put Chippenham under pressure though nothing came of them.

However, despite starting the second half the better of the two sides Banbury would go 2-0 down in the 54th minute when Dutton came out to clear a through ball but failed to get there ahead of James Guthrie and the Chippenham man then lobbed the ball over the custodian from the edge of the penalty area.

On 61 minutes good build up play saw a shot from Nic Evangelinos kicked off the line by a defender and into the grateful arms of Kent Kauppinen in the Chippenham goal. Five minutes later and Evangelinos was through on goal and though his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper, the ball came out to Claudio Dias just three yards out but the Northampton Town loanee could only hit the side netting.

This was a good spell for Banbury and on 73 minutes a shot from long distance by Marvin Martin went just wide and two minutes later a Marcus Green shot from distance was saved by Kauppinen.

Banbury had their chances to get right back into the game in the second half but not having taken them the final score was 2-0 to Chippenham who with the win move above Banbury in the table. Burnham’s win over Corby means Banbury drop two places to fourth from bottom though the midweek win over Biggleswade Town means that is now academic as Southern League Premier Division football has already been assured at Spencer Stadium for next season.

Chippenham Town: Kent Kauppinnen, Harley Purnell, Pete Monks, Bryan Smith, Jon Beedon, Greg Tindle, Joe McClennan, Corey King (Jake Harris 77), Alan Griffin (Tyron Leigh 86), Lee Phillips, James Guthrie. Subs (not used): Jake Simpson, Ben John.

Banbury United: Scott Dutton, Luke Cray, Luke Fathers, (Conor Collins 61) Kynan Isaac (Marcus Green 28), Tanasheh Abrahams, Tom Fishwick, Anthony Obeng, Marvin Martin (Carl Tappin 74), Albi Skendi, Claudio Dias, Nic Evangelinos. Subs (not used): Melanius Mullarkey, Anderson Pinto.

Attendance: 325