Cirencester Tn 1, Banbury Utd 0: Already ravaged by injuries and suspensions, Banbury lost Ollie Stanbridge after 18 minutes of Saturday's Southern League Premier Division game at Circen- cester.

Under the circumstances, they did well to run the home side close after the midfielder was forced off with a recurrence of an old injury, to be replaced by young Darren Pond.

The only goal came in the 24th minute and had an element of luck about it as Jody Beavan's cross deflected off Mark Essex to Scott Griffin, who scored at the near post.

Cirencester used the strong wind to peg Banbury back for long periods, but the visitors' back line played well and denied them any further clear chances.

When it became Banbury's turn to use the elements, their long-ball tactics ran harmlessly away for goalkicks on too many occa- sions.

Their best chance came from a 66th-minute corner which home keeper Mark Bryant let it through his hands, but Ady Fuller was out of luck when his angled effort struck the woodwork and bounced to safety.

Two mintues later, Bryant made amends for his earlier error with a brilliant save from Matty Gooderick.

After that, the home defence held firm.

Banbury: Tricker, Fuller, Jackson, Sullivan, Essex, McKay, O'Neill (Gooderick 64), Stanbridge (Pond 18), Forinton, Redknap, Potter. Subs not used: Kinch, Brock.