lineup

Robert Beckwith

Gary Moran

Jamie Williams

Adam Hart

Craig Herbert

Gary Redgate

Danny Hall

Craig Dutton

Robbie Beard

Justin Marsden

Rory Squire

subs used

Jon Douglas

Jon Nicholls

Dave Pearson

Rugby United dopped vital home points in this bottom of the table clash as numerous chances went begging especially during the second half. 

With both sides looking to escape from relegation trouble, the first chance fell to Banbury in the 5th minute when Ollie Stanbridge forced goalkeeper Robert Beckwith to parry away at the near post.

Three minutes later Justin Marsden seemed to be clear through on goal until taking one touch too many and visiting skipper - and former VS Rugby favourite - Kieran Sullivan got back to tidy up the danger. Banbury goalkeeper Simon Tricker was well placed to save Robbie Beard's 23rd minute free kick, before Wayne Blossom let Valley off the hook by looping a free header over the bar from Les Robinson's cross. 

However, after Danny Hall volleyed narrowly wide from 20 yards with Tricker rooted to the spot, it was Banbury who made the breakthrough two minutes from half time through Howard Forinton who forced home from 12 yards following a Chris Jackson free kick. 

Valley threw everything but the kitchen sink at the visitors during a hectic ten-minute spell straight after the restart. Marsden blazed over after making a good run down the right before hitting a drive that deflected off a defender and past the post. Referee Singh ignored loud Rugby appeals for a penalty after a Jamie Williams corner seemed to make contact with a Banbury arm. 

Marsden then turned to direct agonisingly wide from an excellent position. Further chances came and went as Beard and Craig Dutton missed the target with low shots, and Hall's attempt from 25 yards dipped the wrong side of the bar. 

The action died until another opportunity came Rugby's way in the 72nd minute, Tricker tipping over Rory Squire's header from a cross by substitute Dave Pearson. With the visitors still on the back foot, a high hanging ball played into the area by Williams deceived attackers and defenders alike and came down to hit the angle of post and bar. 

Deep into added time a corner by Hall proved to be the catalyst for a goalmouth scramble. Williams emerged with ball only to swivel and lift his close range effort too high. In the last move of the game Rugby had a golden opportunity to rescue a point as Marsden raced clear, but the striker's lob over the stranded keeper was kept out by the crossbar.