MERTHYR TYDFIL 0 BANBURY UNITED 0

IT was a physical affair at Penydarren Park on Saturday with Merthyr winning the yellow card count 4-1.

Banbury's strike force of Howard Forinton and debutant Jermaine McSporran found it difficult to penetrate the Merthyr's defence while at the other end, the Martyrs were ineffective against the returning Matt Hayward and the experience of Kieran Sullivan.

Banbury 'keeper Alan Judge made a couple of good saves in the first-half to deny the home side, but Merthyr never really threatened.

The home side preserved their unbeaten start to the season, although they had a let-off in the 44th minute when McSporran went close with a shot which went a few inches over the bar.

The second-half saw Merthyr raise the physical side of their game, and the referee struggled to maintain control.

Goalie Judge was the main victim of rough tackles, and in one incident Judge and Merthyr duo Craig Steins and Paul Keddle all received yellow cards following a flurry of flying fists.

Banbury's George Redknap had an outstanding game.

LEAMINGTON 1 BANBURY UNITED 3

BANBURY won through to the second round of the Birmingham Senior Cup at Leamington last week after going a goal down.

Leamington, who missed a penalty thanks to a great save by United 'keeper Alan Judge, went ahead after 30 minutes when James Hubbard hammered the ball home from a narrow angle, giving Judge no chance.

Ady Fuller levelled the game in the 38th minute from the penalty spot after Howard Forinton was fouled.

Banbury took the lead early in the second half when Andy Baird headed in from two yards, and the game was made safe in the 66th minute after Baird was brought down in the penalty area. Fuller despatched the spot-kick.