Banbury United lifted the Oxfordshire Senior Cup for the second time in three seasons with a hard-fought victory against Hellenic League side Carterton at the Kassam Stadium last night.

Victory was particularly sweet for Banbury striker George Redknap who missed out on the 2004 final because of an ankle injury. As well as scoring their second, he set up Jon Gardner for their third goal as Banbury took control.

The first half was a scrappy affair, though Banbury should have been ahead on 14 minutes when Gardner, whose pace caused Carterton problems, blazing over when well-placed.

On 26 minutes, Carterton's Kevin Lewis had the best chance of the half, but fired horribly over with only Banbury keeper Alan Foster to beat.

Minutes later, Carterton almost went a goal down, but Andy Baird failed to control Redknap's right-wing cross.

And Carterton were breathing a sigh of relief on 35 minutes when Darryl Simms dropped a cross from Ollie Stanbridge before grabbing the ball at the second attempt.

Two minutes later, Banbury went ahead through Darren Pond who bundled home after Ady Fuller's superbly-flighted free kick caused panic in the area.

Banbury keeper Alan Foster then suffered a moment of madness, bringing down Mark Threlfall for which he received a booking from referee Dermot Gallagher after he made a hash of a clearance.

In the second half, Paul Sherwood fired a long-range effort wide before Banbury midfielder Paul Lamb was booked for a late challenge.

Gardner was having more of an impact, with James Mortimer-Jones booked for bringing him down. It was to prove costly for Carterton with Redknap heading in Fuller's free kick for Banbury's second.

On 64 minutes, Gardner thought he had made it 3-0, only to be flagged for offside.

After Carterton keeper Daryl Simms made a super stop from Stanbridge, Gardner crashed home No 3 after Redknap had cut the ball back to the former Thame man.

Carterton, for whom Karl Dodds and Mark Threlfall were outstanding, never gave up with only a brilliant one-handed save from Foster denying Dodds a goal.

Banbury captain Kieran Sullivan is pictured showing off the cup to the fans Banbury Utd:

Carterton: Simms, Threlfall, Border, Butt, Dodds, Goodwin, Mortimer-Jones, Joyce (Wood 81), Odom, Sherwood (Pratley 73), Lewis. Subs (not used) Cooper, Gilkes.

Attendance: 677.