Lethargic Banbury lost a disappointing affair as Northwood became the first club to complete a league double against Kevin Brock's men in the Southern League Premier Division.

On a bone-hard pitch, Banbury struggled to play any attractive football, but they took the lead in the 35th minute when a free-kick from the halfway line was hoisted into the Northwood penalty area by Les Robinson.

Andy Baird and George Redknap had set up Ollie Stanbridge, who fired home from inside the six-yard box.

Home keeper Rob Bullivant got a hand to it, but failed to prevent the shot hitting the roof of the net.

In the 40th minute, Banbury should have stretched their lead when Baird beat the offside trap, but Bullivant closed him down and managed to beat out his shot.

The impressive Bullivant foiled Banbury again ten minutes into the second half when, in another one-on-one with Baird, he spread himself to block.

Redknap also had a fine chance, but struck the ball straight into the keeper's arms.

The home side punished Banbury for these missed opportunities in the 72nd minute when Banbury's weakness at set-pieces came to the fore again.

Following a free-kick by the right corner flag, Fergus Moore rose to head Dean Clark's cross home for the equaliser.

Disaster struck four minutes later as Northwood took the lead.

With Banbury appealing for off-side, Clark raced through, but was brought down by keeper Alan Foster.

Clark picked himself up to strike the spot-kick to the right of the keeper.

Banbury had a chance to level again before the end, but Matty Gooderick fired wide.

Banbury Utd: Foster, Robinson, Kinch, Pond, Saulsbury, Fuller, Stanbridge, Lamb, Redknap, Baird, Lazarus (Gooderick 72). Subs (not used) Sullivan, Brock, Tricker.

Attendance: 171.