FOOTBALL: Banbury nearly home and dry after Johnson's strike (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: Banbury nearly home and dry after Johnson's strike

10:20am Monday 23rd April 2012 in Evo-Stick Southern One South & West Table & Results

Banbury United all but secured their future in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division with a 1-1 draw in a much-improved performance against Leamington on Saturday.

The Puritans need just another point at basement club Cirencester Town next Saturday to make them mathematically certain of avoiding relegation.

Although, they could be safe anyway if Hemel Hempstead fail to beat Oxford City tonight.

Banbury’s goal difference is vastly superior to that of their fellow strugglers.

The home side should really look upon this result as two points lost rather than one gained, as they were the better side for most of the contest.

Banbury looked the sharper side, but an early chance that fell to Danny Edmond was l saved by Nathan Vaughan in the Brakes’ goal Leamington looked dangerous on the break, and striker Jacob Blyth headed a good chance straight into Banbury keeper Andy Kemp’s hands.

Banbury’s defence let them down in the 38th minute when former Oxford United striker Lee Steele ghosted in un-noticed at the far post to fire Leamington ahead.

Banbury levelled in the 53rd minute after substitute Dior Angus won a corner From Ben Polk’s flag-kick, Ricky Johnson glanced his near-post header into the opposite corner.

While Banbury dominated the second-half, both keepers sured there were no more goals, while Josh Cole was outstanding for Banbury.

Banbury Utd: Kemp, Coleman, Kinch, Dolman, Thackeray, Howell, Edmond (An-gus 46), Cole, Johnson, Blake (Forinton 90+3), Polk. Subs not used: Richardson, Eyre, Kingston.

Attendance: 564.