A penalty save by goalkeeper Joe Murrell gave Banbury a lifeline in their bid to avoid relegation from the Beitish Gas Business Southern League Premier Division on Saturday.

Murrell’s third penalty stop of the campaign helped Banbury to hang on for a vital 1-0 victory at home to Bashley.

It came midway through the second half. Howard Forinton needlessly fouled Ryan Moss just inside the penalty area, but Richard Gillespie’s spot-kick was easily saved by Murrell to a great cheer from the their fans Banbury had taken the lead in the 27th minute.

Scott Bridges threaded a defence-splitting pass to the outstanding Ollie Stanbridge on the right.

He got to the bye-line before screwing an inviting pass for David Stone to tap home from five yards.

The home defence made light work of any Bashley threats for the rest of the first half, with Murrell a virtual spectator.

The second half was a different story, though, as Bashley unleashed a constant flurry of long balls forward from the back.

Aaron Stringfellow came to United’s rescue when he cleared a Gillespie header off the line.

Then came Murrell’s save after which Banbury could have sewn the game up when Stone’s shot cannoned back off a post.

In the last minute, young Banbury player David Buckwell brilliantly cleared off the line to preserve the three points.

Banbury’s next hurdle in their battle ro avoid the drop comes today in the derby clash away to Brackley Town.

Banbury:Banbury Murrell, Stringfellow, Stanbridge, Buckwell, Bennett, Redknap, Bridges (Blake 83), Haisley, Stone, Forinton, Gard-ner (Gordon 62). Subs not used: Peppiatt, Bryan, Sambrook.

Attendance: 324.