United got off to the best of starts going ahead as early as the fourth minute when a long throw from the right by Jenna O’Neill was headed on by Catherine Howse to the incoming Lacey Walton who struck the ball home from eight yards.

Just eight minutes later and United had a two goal cushion when a left sided corner from Zoe Boote was headed home at the near post by Howse.

Marlow did hit the post from a shot from a narrow angle in the 25th minute but Banbury effectively sealed the points by making it 3-0 on the half hour mark. Howse had a one-on-one with the home goalkeeper and though her first shot was well saved she followed up to knock home the loose ball and notch her second goal of the afternoon.

The second half was much less eventful but United worked hard throughout to ensure there was no way back for the home side. The nearest that Banbury came to increasing their lead came in the 59th minute when a Boote corner from the left saw Lucy Durnin’s header hacked off the line.

The win consolidates United’s second position in the table and with league leaders Milton Keynes City losing this afternoon it moves them to within two points of the Buckinghamshire side who still top the table.

United Ladies are at home to Fleet Town next Sunday (2.00pm at the Spencer Stadium) and with leaders Milton Keynes having a cup game then a win will take United to the top of the table.

Banbury United: Nicky Isted, Jenny Hoggins, Lacey Walton (Chloe Stallwood 54), Jenna O’Neil, Sarah Rhind, Lucy Durnin, Zoe Boote, Kath Faulkner, Catherine Howse, Josie Clark, Alex Ayckbourn (Rebecca Howard 58).