Banbury United 2, King's Lynn 1: Andy Baird grabbed the winner as Banbury United ended their FA Cup hoodoo by reaching the second qualifying round for the first time in 16 seasons at Spencer Stadium on Saturday.

After a tight opening half-hour, Banbury went close when Baird's header from Wayne Blossom's right-wing cross was brilliantly saved by keeper John Higgs.

With a crowd of 549 packed into the ground, Banbury then had another great chance when Ollie Stanbridge rounded Higgs only to see his shot cleared off the line by Adam Smith.

Stanbridge was foiled again minutes later when his cross-shot was tipped over by Higgs, and from the resulting corner, Baird headed just over the top.

Banbury were not to be denied, though, and in the 44th minute they took the lead in spectacular style when Paul Lamb's dipping drive from 25 yards beat Higgs.

Kings Lynn - like Banbury from the Southern League Premier Division - came out for the second half with renewed vigour.

And they equalised in the 53rd minute when right back Adam Jones's 20-yard strike flew into the top corner.

But Banbury were ahead again on the hour. Baird's header from Wayne Bloss- om's cross was touched onto the bar by Higgs, but as the ball dropped onto the line, Baird was the first to react to run in and smash it over the line.

Baird almost doubled his tally a minute later, shooting the wrong side of a post after George Redknap stepped over Darren Pond's cross.

Banbury were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 76th minute when Baird appeared to be brought down by Higgs, but the referee waved play on.

King's Lynn laid siege to Banbury's goal during injury time, but a combination of good defending and poor finishing ensured that the hosts go into today's draw.

Banbury Utd: Tricker, Blossom, Kinch, Sullivan, Pond, Fuller, Stanbridge, Lamb, Redknap, Baird, Gardner (Potter 90). Subs not used: McKay, Jackson, King, Gooderick.

Attendance: 549.