Banbury Utd 2, Hitchin Town 1: Howard Forinton grabbed a late winner to ease Banbury's relegation worries in the Southern League Premier Division.

Playing with a strong wind behind them in the first half, Banbury took the lead in the 18th minute.

George Redknap's shot was blocked, but Chris Potter drilled the rebound home from 15 yards.

Hitchin equalised against the run of play in the 32nd minute with a superb solo effort from Jim Duffy, who ran from midfield before burying a low shot from just outside the penalty area.

Redknap's glancing header from Chris Jackson's cross went inches wide as Banbury finished the half strongly.

Hitchin keeper Richard Wilmot denied Forinton midway through the second half, brilliantly saving his blistering drive.

But an inspired double substitution by manager Kevin Brock in the 71st minute turned the game in Banbury's favour.

He brought on Darren Pond and Liam O'Neil, and pushed Wayne Blossom into attack.

Blossom was soon causing the Hitchin defence problems, and six minutes later they regained the lead.

Potter chipped an inch-perfect cross for Forinton to plant a header into the back of the net.

In a frantic finish, Banbury cleared the ball off the line three times in goalmouth scramble which was brought to an end by the final whistle.

Banbury Utd: Tricker, Fuller, Jackson, Sullivan, Essex, McKay (Pond 71), Gooderick (O'Neill 71), Blossom, Forinton (Mackay 87), Redknap, Potter. Sub not used: Brock.

Attendance: 623.