The emergence of French sensation Norman Sylla helped Banbury United complete one of their most successful seasons in years as they finished eighth in Dr Martens League Eastern Division.

Shown the door by Oxford United in the summer, Sylla was signed by Banbury boss Kevin Brock after striker Matty Gooderick suffered an horrific double leg fracture in a pre-season friendly at Abingdon United.

And the gamble paid off, with the 19-year-old frontman hitting 42 goals, 22 of which were in the league.

He had the scouts flocking to watch him, and brought out the best in George Redknap, who netted more than 20 goals.

Banbury's form saw them go top at one stage - helped by an unbeaten run of 18 games.

However, injuries to key players cost them dear, with Phil Mason and Andy Wallbridge forced to retire through serious knee injuries.

"If everyone had been fit, I would have been disappoin- ted to finish eighth," said Brock. "But when you consider all the injury problems we had, I'm pleased to have finished as we have done."

It also signalled the retirement, due to family commitments, of captain Jon Corbett.