United started brightly and came close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute when Levi Steele was found by new signing Neo Dobson. Leiston goalkeeper Callum Robinson produced an excellent save to deny Steele, but from the resulting corner, a short routine caught the visitors off guard. Josh Cavallo’s cross found Steele, who reacted quickest to fire home from close range and put Banbury deservedly ahead.

Leiston responded almost immediately, equalising just six minutes later. A dangerous corner was delivered across the face of goal and Kyle Callan-McFadden rose highest to power a header past Jack Harding from eight yards.

The sides went into the break level, but Banbury came out strongly after the restart. The introduction of Ben Nash added energy to the attacking play, and United began to put Leiston under sustained pressure.

In the 51st minute, Gus Sanches tested Robinson with a fierce effort that the goalkeeper did well to tip over the crossbar. Just two minutes later, Banbury came even closer. A cross from the right found Nash, whose close-range header appeared destined for the net, only for Robinson to produce an outstanding save to turn the ball around the post.

Despite Banbury enjoying the majority of the play, Leiston took the lead against the run of play in the 61st minute when Adam Mills finished a breakaway opportunity.

United continued to search for an equaliser but were unable to find a way through, leaving the Puritans to settle for another narrow defeat.

There were positives to take from the performance, particularly the attacking pressure after half-time, but United will know that making the most of those opportunities will be crucial as the season continues.

Banbury United: Jack Harding, Harrison Mole, Josh Cavallo, Aaron McCreadie, Jacob Scott, Otis Castle, Neo Dobson (55 mins Joel Anker), Alex Prosser (captain), Levi Steele, Rico Patterson (46 mins Ben Nash), Gus Sanches (62 mins Seb Kola).
Subs (not used): Emil Lulchev, Finn Howell.

Leiston: Callum Robinson, Wyatt Hill, Seb Dunbar (captain), Kyle Callan-McFadden, Joe Henman, Fraser Alexander, Harvey Sayer (66 mins Adam Marriott), Adam Mills, Ben Batho, Jude Frostick (55 mins Noel Aitkens), Willie Clemons (66 mins Joao Rangel).
Subs (not used): Cameron Rayworth, Ryan Jarvis.