Banbury Utd 1, Oxford Utd 0: Striker Mark Simms was the hero for Banbury United for the second time in a week as he headed the winner in last night's victory over a youthful Oxford United side at the Kassam Stadium.

On Saturday, the former Oxford City frontman grabbed a late winner for the Dr Martens League Eastern Division outfit against Folkestone to boost their hopes of reaching the play-offs.

And last night he did it again as his 24th minute header saw Kevin Brock's side win the competition for the first time since 1988.

Banbury suffered a blow before the game, with top-scorer George Redknap failing a late fitness on a leg injury.

But it made little difference as his replacement Wayne Blossom proved more than adequate, linking well with fellow-striker Simms, whose movement caused Oxford all kinds of trouble.

When Banbury last reached the final in 2001, they lost to Thame United, and they were determined to make amends.

Early on, Oxford were indebted to their keeper Brady Clarke, who tipped over a vicious 30-yard free-kick from Chris Jackson in only the second minute.

But he did even better minutes later when he turned away a Simms shot for a corner.

At the other end, Adam Garner's free-kick from 25 yards rebounded off Banbury keeper Simon Tricker, before being cleared.

Banbury were bossing the game and after Barry Quinn, the only senior professional in the Oxford side, had fired straight at Tricker, Banbury took the lead.

Ady Fuller's pinpoint cross from the right was headed home by the unmarked Simms.

That woke Oxford up and Craig Davies, one of only a few Oxford players to impress, headed over.

Banbury, whose defence was brilliantly-marshalled by Kieran Sullivan, kept pressing forward with wingers Ollie Stanbridge and Chris Potter looking menacing.

As the half ended, Davies should have levelled, but headed a cross from Tom Winters, Oxford's best player, over the bar.

After the break, Banbury continued to press forward and on 66 minutes Simms should have made it 2-0, but didn't connect properly with Potter's cross, and minutes later, he missed another chance from a great cross by Fuller.

Although Banbury had a few anxious moments - keeper Tricker twice denying Winters the equaliser - they were always in control of the game.

Afterwards, former Oxford United hero Brock said: "It's the first time I've been to the Kassam Stadium - and to win made it a very special night."

Banbury Utd: Tricker, Fuller, Jackson, Sullivan, Allen, Eldridge, Stanbridge, Billington, Blossom, Potter (O'Neill 78), Simms (Stidder 82). Subs not used: Jenkins, Corbett, Brock.

Oxford Utd: Clarke, Carbon, J Tweed (R Tweed 45), Quinn (Burton 59), Mackay, Garner, Alexis, Brandish, Davies, Beechers, Winters. Subs not used: Harris, Gunn, R Brooks.

Attendance: 1,088.