An astonishing 45-yard goal by Nick McCrae earned Banbury a draw in their Dr Martens League Eastern Division derby with Witney at the Stadium last night.

Witney were leading 1-0 in the 79th minute, when McCrae sent over a cross from the right touchline, which deceived Witney keeper Tom King, who could only help the ball into the net.

Nick's father - ex-Banbury and Witney striker Bruce - had never scored one like that .

The early exchanges went mostly Witney's way, with Banbury seeming strangely off form.

Certainly, Witney had most of the attacking ideas, although they found the home side's defence very difficult to penetrate.

The first clear cut chance of the game, in the 27th minute, brought the first goal. Former Banbury defender Gary Murphy fired home from 15 yards, following a fine move, to put Witney into a deserved lead.

Defences continued to dominate for the remainder of the half and Banbury were pleased to hear the half-time whistle.

Whatever Banbury boss Kevin Brock said at half-time seemed to have an effect because the home side were a lot keener after the break.

They went close when Matty Gooderick took the ball to the bye-line and pulled it back across the face of the goal. But Tom Radcliffe whipped it off Jody McKay's toe to clear the danger.

The equaliser, when it arrived, will remain in the memory for years to come.

Banbury Utd: Tricker, Wallbridge, Redknap, Sullivan, Muckelberg, Fuller, Corbett, Thompson, Jenkins, Gooderick, McKay. Subs. Harrison, McCrae, Phillips.

Witney Town: King, Dunton, Radcliffe, Cook, Murphy, Tavinor, Knight, Caffel, Burnley, Hendra, Neville. Subs: Swann, Maskell, Keveren.

Attendance: 256.