Banbury United had to be satisfied with a share of the spoils against Kettering Town at Nene Park in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division on Saturday.

Although Ady Fuller’s side will be disappointed not to get all three points, it stopped the rot for the Puritans 4-1 midweek mauling at Barwell.

The Poppies had Banbury on the back foot from the start and took the lead on 17 minutes. Ricky Johnson was harshly adjudged to have handled Ed Palmer’s header and Warren Byerley fired the resulting penalty past Matt Finlay in the Banbury goal.

Kettering pushed forward, but Banbury’s defence held firm.

Banbury were always looking for the long ball out of defence for Johnson to head on for Adeylinka Talabi.

And the ploy paid off when the Puritans levelled.

Receiving the ball from deep Talabi rounded the last defender and fired a left-foot shot wide of keeper Ben Gathercole from 12 yards.

A thunderstorm saw the second half delayed for five minutes, before Banbury reasserted their pressure, with Aaron Woodley’s pace causing problems.

But despite their efforts, Banbury had to settle for a draw.

Banbury Utd: Finlay, Cray, Ashton, Dolman, Lee, Polk, Kingston (Cole 82), Confue, Johnson, Talabi (Lorraine 67), Woodley. Subs not used: O’Grady, Howell, Da Costa.

Attendance: 526.