Banbury found themselves unable to score for the first time this season after an extremely hard fought encounter against Halesowen Town, registering their first defeat at home this season.

With both sides giving no quarter in defence, it was of no surprise that the only chance from anyone in the first half resulted in a brilliant save by Jack Harding in the 25th minute from a point blank effort from McKauley Manning.

Banbury had to wait until the second-half for their first clear-cut chance, but from a 55th minute left-wing corner, late replacement Tommy Cartwright was unlucky when his header went just a yard wide, much to the relief of veteran goalkeeper Lewis Solly, who had not had a save to make all evening.

United were starting to dominate play on the hour, and George Ball went close when his 67th minute effort took a double bounce and cleared the crossbar. In the 75th minute, Ball crossed the ball from the left and substitute Harvey Westwood couldn’t quite reach the ball as it flashed across the open goal.

With the Banbury faithful hoping for what seems a normal last few minutes goal chance, the boot was on the other foot when the Yeltz, much against the run of play, forced a corner, but when ex-Puritan Jak Hickman’s flag kick was not cleared by Banbury’s normal resolute back line, Ryan Wynter’s 20 yard off-target shot was deflected into the net from close range by substitute Ryan Boothe, for the only goal of the game, and a well-earned three points by the visitors.

Banbury United :- Jack Harding, Tai Fleming, Gedeon Okito (86 mins. Matthew Ireland), Gift Mussa, Yaw Ofosu (captain), Tom Cartwright (87 mins. Prince Henry), Harry Reilly, Archie Hollyhead ((73 mins. Claudio Dias), Ramello Mitchell (73 mins. Harvey Westwood), AJ George (87 mins. Charlie Donaldson), George Ball.

Halesowen Town :- Lewis Solly, Jak Hickman, Reece Mitchell (71 mins. Ben Cassidy), Nathaniel Kelly, Ryan Wynter (captain), Joshua Smile, Todd Parker, Enock Lusiama Lokeba (69 mins. Finlay Holmes), Kieren Donnelly (73 mins. Ryan Boothe), McKauley Manning. Subs (not used) Conor Tee, Luke Postle

Attendance – 568