Bicester 2nd went top of BB&O Division 1 North in unusual circumstances.

They were handed a walkover in Saturday’s home fixture with previous leaders Banbury 2nd.

The match was due to kick off at 2.15pm, but the referee didn’t reach Bicester until after 3pm, by which time Banbury had walked off!

Banbury 2nd manager Andrew Thompson, who missed the game, said there had been a breakdown in communication.

“I was disappointed with my boys for walking away,” said Thompson.

“I have written to Bicester to see if they are prepared to have a rematch and play for the points.

“If I had been there, it wouldn’t have happened.”

Banbury had won all five matches before this and have a far superior points differernce than Bicester, but they were deducted two points for conceding a walkover.

Meanwhile, Banbury Bulls coach Grant Holmes says they cannot afford lapses if they are to get into promotion contention.

Bulls are four points off top spot in Midlands 3 East South after winning five of their seven matches.

Holmes said: “Now is a crucial time in the season, we are a few months in and the injury list starts to grow.

“We need to remain focused, with games against the second and third placed sides just around the corner.

“We need to be at our best in those fixtures and bring ourselves into contention.”