United put an end to their run of eleven consecutive defeats in all competitions but are pushed all the way by a determined Grendon Rangers side that play four levels below their hosts in the non-league football pyramid and the South Midlands Division Two side will consider themselves very unfortunate not to have at least taken the game to penalties.

Banbury had the better of the opening to the game. In the 12th minute a Kynan Isaac shot from 30 yards whizzed over the bar. Despite United having more of the possession, Grendon began to come much more into the game and look just as dangerous as their hosts and they would take the lead in the 26th minute when a cross from the left found Andy Prescott just inside the penalty area who fired the ball home into the bottom corner of the net.

The remainder of the first half saw few chances created though in the 38th minute Isaac had a shot well saved by Richard Thomas in the Grendon goal.

Just four minutes into the second half a corner from the left by Lewis Strafford caused problems inside the Grendon penalty area, the ball eventually falling to Ashley Dumbleton but the ball was skied over from six yards.

United struggled to find a way through as the second half developed though a corner from the left taken by Conor Collins on 72 minutes saw Wayne Blossom’s header go just wide. Otherwise though it was looking as though Grendon would hold on their lead but two minutes from time a long through ball down the middle saw Isaac use his pace to get onto the end of it ahead of the Grendon defence and then slot the ball home past Thomas.

United then went close to winning it twice in stoppage time. Firstly a Collins free kick from the left was headed just wide by Luke Cray and then Dumbleton failed to convert from 10 yards with just the custodian to beat.

Banbury began the first period of extra time well, the first minute saw an Albi Skendi shot from the edge of the penalty area superbly tipped over the bar by Thomas for a corner. However, just two minutes later in a breakaway Dutton made a good save from Josh Thompson to keep the scores level.

When a good effort form Isaac with just four minutes left was well saved by the Grendon custodian if looked as though the game was destined for penalties. However, with just a minute to go a ball through to Marcus Green on the edge of the penalty area saw the United player bring the ball under control and then let rip with a superb 20 yard shot which flew past Thomas into the top corner of the net for what must be a contender for strike of the season. Within 45 seconds it was game over with Isaac taking the ball inside from the left before striking a low shot from the edge of the area which hit the far post before nestling into the back of the net.

United now face a two legged semi-final against Olney Town.

Whilst United were far from convincing against their lower level opposition, the win does at least end the run of eleven consecutive losses in all competitions. At least the players have experienced what if feels like to win a game, it is some time since they had that experience!

Banbury United: Scott Dutton, Luke Cray, Melanius Mullarkey, Kynan Isaac, Wayne Blossom, Stephen Danso (Daniel Bevis 20), Lewis Strafford (Conor Collins 55), Anthony Obeng, Albi Skendi, Ashley Dumbleton, Adeyinka Talabi (Marcus Green 83). Subs (not used): Carl Tappin, Sean Barker.

Grendon Rangers: Richard Thomas, Daley Cross, Stephen Tavender, Darren Beckett, Aiden Bailey, Paul Newman, Cameron Macpherson, James Gardner, Andy Prescott, Dan Savin, Josh Thompson. Subs: Tom Leonard, Ben Lewis, Luke Lancaster, Scott Reynolds.

Attendance: 52