BANBURY United were sunk by Matt Taylor’s double as they slid to a 2-0 defeat against Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division basement rivals Arlesey Town at Spencer Stadium.

Following an uneventful opening, a defensive mistake saw Arlesey’s Mark Gallagher race through on goal in the 15th minute.

Leigh Bedwell did well to save his shot from just inside the penalty area, but the loose ball rolled towards goal and Taylor provided the finishing touch from two yards.

Banbury’s Shepherd Murombedzi had an overhead bicycle kick deflected just wide by a defender, while Gallagher should have done better for Arlesey when Bedwell presented the ball to him as he attempted to clear, but the striker’s shot from 30 yards went well over the bar.

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Two minutes before the interval, Jacob Walcott crossed for Josh Shama to fire in a shot from a narrow angle at the near post, which Nick Thompson pushed behind.

Another Walcott centre after the break saw Leam Howards head over under severe pressure from former Puritan James Sage.

Arlesey had chances to increase their lead with Dean Mason blasting over the bar twice within the space of a minute.

Banbury’s fate was finally sealed five minutes from time in unfortunate circumstances when a clearance from the edge of the penalty area by Callum White hit Taylor and rebounded into the corner of the net past Bedwell.

Banbury Utd: Bedwell, Cray, Lynn, Martin, Fishwick, Westbrook (White HT), Walcott, Murombedzi, Shama, Howards (White 68), Tappin (Browne HT). Subs not used: Jervis, Mzungwana.

Attendance: 313.

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