Poole started very brightly and dominated the opening stages and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the eighth minute when a pass came in from the left and Tom Whelan slotted the ball home from six yards. Though Poole continued to have much the better of the game, United at least managed to stem the tide as the half wore on though there was little for Nick Hutchings to do in the Poole goal except deal with routine matters. To be fair Banbury had a better spell in the final five minutes of the half, forcing a couple of corners though nothing came of them.

The improvement Banbury had shown towards the end of the first half continued at the start of the second but in the 54th minute Poole scored a second goal when Banbury were opened up and Luke Burbridge set up Richard Gillespie who scored from close range.

Banbury’s best effort of the game to that point would come on 66 minutes when Nathaniel Lewars’ goal-bound shot from the edge of the area took a slight deflection but it was well saved by Hutchings low down to his left.

It was comfortable for Poole after this though there was a very late chance for United in stoppage time to get a consolation when Tom Ryan set up Lewars but his header from the edge of the six yard box went over the bar.

With Frome Town losing at Paulton Rovers, the fat lady continues to have to wait to sing. United can still finish out of the bottom three if they win their final three games and other results go their way. However, anything but three wins will mean relegation.

Poole Town: Nick Hutchings, Lewis Tallack, Will Spetch, Matt Butcher, Jamie Whisken (Billy Lowes 69), Carl Pettefer, Luke Burbridge, Steve Devlin, Tom Whelan, Richard Gillespie (Joe Quigley 59), Harrison Gilkes (Mason Walsh 62). Subs (not used): Luke Roberts, Ryan Thorpe.

Banbury United: Leigh Bedwell, Jacob Daffern, Marvin Martin, Jack Westbrook, Carl Tappin (Tom Fishwick 80), Tom Ryan, Jacob Walcott, Shepherd Murombedzi,, Leam Howards, Kynan Isaac (Nathaniel Lewars 64), Darius Browne (Luke Cray 57). Subs (not used): Frankie Baigent, Scott Smith.

Attendance: 347