A LATE goal from Mark Janes could not prevent Banbury United slipping to a 2-1 defeat at home to Dorchester Town on Saturday.

After a bright start to their return to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, this was a second successive defeat for Mike Ford’s team.

Banbury’s Darius Brown forced a fine save from Dorchester keeper Shane Murphy early on, but the visitors took the lead in the 27th minute.

From a free-kick taken by Neil Martin just outside the penalty area, Banbury defender Jack Westbrook headed past keeper Jack Harding for an own goal.

Ricky Johnson twice went close for the hosts before the break.

On the hour, Dorchester went very close to doubling their advantage when Martin’s 25-yard shot hit the top of the bar before going over.

However, five minutes later it was Banbury’s turn to be unluckily denied by the woodwork, Murphy deflecting Felipe Barcelos’s shot on to a post.

Dorchester made it 2-0 in the 75th minute when Nathan Walker’s header from a corner hit the bar and the ball was eventually scrambled over the line by Chris Dillon.

Banbury eventually scored in injury time, when George Nash fed the ball through to Janes, who turned sharply before unleashing a superb 25-yard shot which flew into the net past Murphy.

Banbury Utd: Harding, White, Lynn, Nash, Westbrook, Gunn, Browne, Self (Martin 78), Johnson, Barcelos (Janes 78), Bell. Subs not used: Fawke, Howards, Blackstock.

Attendance: 324.