Banbury United suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat away to Stratford Town, with two goals early in the second half proving decisive despite a spirited late response from the Puritans.

United welcomed captain Alex Prosser back into the starting line-up following suspension, while Levi Steele returned to his more familiar striking role, wearing the number nine shirt.

Banbury created their first opportunity in the 14th minute when Steele tried his luck from distance, but his effort drifted narrowly wide of the post.

Stratford enjoyed the better of the opening half-hour, although United gradually grew into the contest and began to create opportunities of their own.

In the 34th minute, Banbury were awarded a free-kick, which Ben Nash delivered into the penalty area. Steele rose to meet the ball, but his header was comfortably collected by Stratford goalkeeper Jacob Weaver.

Five minutes later, Josh Cavallo unleashed his second powerful effort of the half, but, as with his earlier attempt, the ball sailed over the crossbar.

United’s best opportunity of the opening period arrived in the 43rd minute. Weaver rushed out to punch clear a Nash free-kick but missed the ball and collided with Steele, leaving the Banbury striker with an opportunity to score into an unguarded net. However, Steele was unable to direct his effort on target from around 15 yards.

The sides went into the interval level, with Banbury having finished the first half strongly.

Stratford made the breakthrough just four minutes after the restart when Josh Hawker found the net to put the hosts ahead.

The Bards doubled their advantage in the 54th minute through Adam Jasper, leaving Banbury with a two-goal deficit despite having enjoyed a promising spell before half-time.

United continued to compete and looked for a way back into the match. Prosser took the initiative with a powerful effort in the 72nd minute, before Nash threatened with a good attempt four minutes later.

Prosser tried his luck again in the 79th minute as Banbury maintained their attacking pressure, but Stratford defended resolutely and limited the visitors’ opportunities.

With the game entering added time, the Puritans finally found a breakthrough. In the 92nd minute, substitute Gus Sanches struck from a tight angle, sending the ball past Weaver to reduce the deficit to 2–1.

The goal set up a tense finish, and Banbury almost snatched a dramatic equaliser moments later. Weaver fumbled the ball close to his own goal line, but the Stratford defence reacted quickly to clear the danger before United could capitalise.

Despite a determined finish and several opportunities throughout the contest, Banbury were unable to find a second goal, allowing Stratford to hold on for all three points.

The Puritans will take encouragement from their attacking spells and late pressure, although the two goals conceded shortly after half-time ultimately proved costly.

Stratford Town: Jacob Weaver, Finlay Brennan, Josh Hawker (Harry Hawkins, 86), Paul McCone (captain), Kory Roberts, Reece Flanagan, Dan Lafferty, Adam Jasper (Josh Stidder, 67), Zach McKenzie (Dan Vann, 83), Kobe Hall (I-Lani Edwards, 77), Tionne Critchlow-Woyo (Jack Bearne, 46).

Banbury United: Jack Harding, Harrison Mole, Josh Cavallo (Gus Sanches, 70), Alex Prosser (captain), Tolu Ikuyinminu, Oran Jackson, Jimmy Holman, Ben Nash, Levi Steele, Connor Ferguson, Joel Anker (AJ George, 64).

Substitutes not used: Seb Kola, Michael Wakeling, Emil Lulchev.