Banbury shock leaders to gain much-needed victory

Steve Brooker’s boys beat South Premier Hockey League leaders Bromley & Beckenham 3-1 in Saturday’s division one fixture to give them renewed hope of staying up.

Following six straight defeats, Banbury had a new-look with Kyle White moving to a deeper position, screening the back four. And the change proved decisive with White producing a dominate performance in his new role.

Banbury set off with great pace, winning a penalty corner. White’s drag-flick was parried away but only as far as George Brooker whose cross found Kieran Symons who pushed home from close range.

But the visitors stormed back with Rob Mayes slamming home from the top of the D to level moments later. But this was a different Banbury side to the one which has floundered in recent weeks and the welcome return of veteran Adrian Simons to the side helped them contain the leaders for the remainder of the first half.

Scott Reynolds made an outstanding save at the top of the D just before the break and pulled off another good stop after the restart to keep Banbury in the game. Banbury regained the lead when they broke away and Barney Williams scored.

With confidence brimming, Banbury began to play more expansively and won a penalty corner moments later which White slammed home into the roof of the net.

The visitors could find few answers to the renewed home side and it looked as if Banbury’s lead might be extended. But Banbury tired in the closing stages and it took some great defensive work from Josh Nunneley to preserve their lead.