Banbury United's chances of avoiding the drop from the Premier Division of the Evo-Stik Southern League look remote after they lost to a late goal to Paulton Rovers at the Spencer Stadium on Saturday.

With seven games left, they are 12 points away from safety.

The hosts’ first chance of an even first half came when Hicham Abdellah’s in-swinging free-kick from wide on the left was met by the head of Marvin Martin, who directed his shot straight at Paulton keeper Kyle Phillips.

Then Carl Tappin’s lofted shot from wide on the left on the edge of the penalty area had Phillips back-pedalling in desperation, but the ball went just inches over the bar.

While decent chances were few and far between in the first half, they were virtually non-existent in the first 40 minutes of the second period, which looked like being one of the most drab halves seen at the ground for many years.

However, the game burst into life five minutes from time.

First, Bedwell made a superb save to deny Sam Teale, deflecting his shot around a post.

This was a short reprieve for Banbury as from the resultant corner, taken by Jon Davies, Teale headed home at the far post to snatch victory for Paulton.

Banbury Utd: Bedwell, Cray, Martin, Meade, Tappin, Ryan, Green (Browne 37), Walcott, Howards, Isaac, Abedellah (Talabi 75). Subs not used: Fishwick, Westbrook, Daffern.

Attendance: 248.