EASTBOURNE BORO 1, BANBURY UTD 2: Banbury came away from the South coast with three hard-earned points - yet actually dropped a place in the Dr Martens League Eastern Division table.

They overtook second-placed Eastbourne to be just one point behind leaders Dorchester, only to be overtaken by Bashley and Salisbury, who both won by two goals.

Early on, United had difficulty in getting over the halfway line.

However, Banbury defen- ded brilliantly and the back four of Wayne Blossom, Kieran Sullivan, Jason Allen and Ady Fuller showed a mixture of patient and controlled defending throughout the game.

When Borough did break through, they found keeper Simon Tricker in great form.

In the 25th minute, Liam O'Neill's shot was diverted past keeper Dean Lightwood by Norman Sylla, only to be ruled out for offside. The tall Frenchman looked strangely off form, and was flagged offside on numerous occasions during the first half.

In the 36th minute, Banbury took the lead from a free-kick. Jimmy Simpson floated the ball towards the near post, where George Redknap darted in to head home.

John Corbett replaced Simpson at half-time, and United started to compete better in midfield.

They increased their lead in the 48th minute. Redknap found Sylla, who chipped the keeper for his 24th goal of the season.

In the 63rd minute, Borough pulled a goal back through Ramsay, who cut inside and hit a magnificent shot past Tricker.

It was backs-to-the-wall stuff now for Banbury, and in the 83rd minute, Tricker came to the rescue with a stunning save from substitute Dave Adams Banbury Utd: Tricker, Fuller, Blossom, Sullivan, Allen, Simpson (Corbett 46), Travers, Stanbridge, Sylla (McKay 89), Redknapp, O'Neill (Taylor 77). Subs not used: Essex, Brock.

Attendance: 551.