The only way that United can now go down is if both Weymouth win their last three games and also Didcot Town win three and draw one of their last four fixtures, whilst Banbury would have to lose all three of their remaining matches.

In hot sunny conditions, both sides worked hard in the first-half, but there was hardly a worthwhile chance as the defences remained on top. Banbury certainly looked the better of the two sides and things changed in the 40th minute when Joe Coleman took a corner from the left which was only half cleared, and Nathan Haisley fired in a shot which took a couple of deflections to wrong-foot ‘keeper Lewis Solly, and the ball went in off the post to put United one up, a lead that was well deserved.

Three minutes into the second-half, Banbury doubled their lead when Declan Benjamin went on a fine attacking right side run which took him into the penalty area. His first shot was blocked and his follow up was deflected onto the post by a defender, and David Stone was on hand to blast the close range effort home.

Joe Murrell, who has to be Banbury’s most improved player this season, followed up his brilliant save from Linden Dovey, two minutes before the break with another great save in the 59th minute from Ryan Rowe, as Stourbridge looked to get back in the game.

United went further ahead in the 80th minute following some good approach work from Stone. He set Benjamin clear on the wide left, and the midfield star cut in before unleashing a fierce shot which Solly did well to save, and Stone won a corner on the right. Jack Ashton swung the flag kick into the middle where it was played back from the far post to young Will Green but although his headed effort was cleared off the goal line, Stone was on hand to lash the ball into the roof of the net to make the score 3-0.

Banbury completed the scoring two minutes later with a fine individual show from Stone, as he went between two defenders into the penalty area where he was tripped from behind by Paul McCone, and he got up to stroke the spot-kick past Solly to complete his hat-trick, and round off a good day fro United.

Banbury United: Joe Murrell, Ollie Stanbridge (Malachi Farquharson 64), Robbie Maddox, Delroy Gordon, Adam Learoyd, Nathan Haisley, Joe Coleman, Declan Benjamin (David Staff 80), David Stone, Henry Rose (Will Green 61), Jack Ashton. Sub (not used): Aynsley McDonald.

Stourbridge: Lewis Solly, Sam Rock (Drew Canavan 59), Aaron Griffiths, Paul McCone, Ryan Mahon, Nathan Bennett, Sam Smith (Craig Slater 5), Leon Broadhurst (Aaron Drake 46), Ryan Rowe, Ben Billingham, Linden Dovey. Unused Subs: Justin Nisbett, Josh Craddock

Attendance: 298