NORTHWOOD 1 BANBURY UNITED 2

BANBURY gained welcome revenge on Northwood, who were the only side to complete the double over them in last season's Premier Division campaign.

The first half belonged to Banbury, who were unlucky several times before taking the lead.

Andy Baird tested home keeper Rob Bullivant with a rasping shot, while George Redknap's effort from all of 25 yards was tipped up onto the bar by Bullivant.

Forinton then hit a post, before setting up Banbury's first goal in the 43rd minute.

He took the ball to the bye-line before crossing to the far post where Jon Gardner headed powerfully goalwards.

Bullivant managed to parry the effort, but it ran to Baird who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

On the stroke of half-time, keeper Alan Judge made a fine one-handed save from Danny Murphy.

However, he was beaten three minutes into the second half, when Murphy crossed to Mark Nicholls, who placed the ball wide of him for the equaliser.

With their unbeaten away record in danger, Banbury pulled themselves together and regained the lead in the 64th minute.

Forinton cut into the penalty area before playing a one-two with Baird. Bullivant did well to parry his shot. but it ran to Stuart Bridges who tapped the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box.

In the 74th minute, Judge again underlined his man-of-the-match credentials when he made a great one-on-one save to keep out a close-range effort from Nicholls.

Banbury: Judge, Bridges, Kinch, Sullivan, Hayward, Pond, Stanbridge, Redknap, Forinton, Baird, Gardner (Blossom 57). Subs not used: Szczukiewicz, Robinson.

Attendance: 156.