A STRONG Oxford United side booked their place in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final with a 2-0 win over Banbury United at Thame’s ASM Stadium last night.

Banbury, managed by former United favourite Billy Jeffrey, have now lost to the U’s three years running.

The Puritans went a goal down after five minutes when Ben Purkiss crossed for Alfie Potter to nod in.

U’s keeper Simon Eastwood was rarely troubled in the first half.

United went 2-0 up on the hour. Asa Hall found Simon Hackney, whose delicate lob from distance found the net.

Eastwood’s fine save denied Robbie Maddox as Banbury rallied, but both Potter and Hall went close to adding to United’s lead before the close.

They will face Kidlington in the final at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday, April 12.

Oxford Utd: Eastwood, Purkiss, Hinchcliffe, Sanagare, Kinniburgh, Potter, Hanson, Hall, Hackney, Woodley, Marsh.

Meanwhile, two of United’s play-off rivals made ground in League Two last night.

Shrewsbury went third with a 3-1 win at Rotherham, while Port Vale’s 2-1 victory over Lincoln moved them back into the play-off places.