A goal three minutes from time sent Banbury United to a 2-1 defeat away to Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division strugglers Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday.

Marquin Smith put the hosts into a 16th-minute lead when he reacted quickest to Charlie Gorman’s header and poked home at the second attempt from close range.

And it need two excellent reflex saves from Banbury keeper Andy Kemp to deny Hemel further goals in the first half.

Banbury came more into the game after the break, with Simeon Williams missing a good chance to equalise.

On the hour, Ricky Johnson went close when his shot from just inside the area on the right went inches wide of the far post.

Two minutes later, Johnson was in the thick of the action again when his powerful shot on target was well blocked by defender Bill Morgan.

The Puritans eventually drew level midway through the half following a mistake by home keeper Ross Kitteridge.

His poor goal-kick went straight to Johnson, who advanced on goal and fired home.

The game appeared to be drifting towards a draw, when Hemel hit the winner in the 87th minute.

Pearce’s corner was controlled by Ellis Remy, who fed Morgan. He kept his cool to grab his side three valuable points.

Banbury United: Kemp, Coleman, Kinch, Dolman, Chilton, Howell, Williams, Cole, Johnson, Blake (Edmond 84), Polk (Angus 64). Subs not used: Fraser, Thackeray.

Attendance: 245.