Leaders are given a scare as Banbury produce best yet

George Brooker looked to have won it for Banbury but leaders salvaged a late point

After three consecutive South Premier Hockey League defeats, Banbury put in their best performance and claimed a point against leaders Spencer in a 4-4 thriller in division one.

Banbury started with a sense of urgency and purpose that has been lacking recently, creating chances from the start. They rocked the visitors when Simon Boardman finished a long pass from Jaz Singh.

But a defensive lapse allowed Spencer an easy route down the middle of the pitch within a minute as Matt Pacey levelled. The visitors took the lead through a Neil Hamilton penalty corner against the run of play.

Banbury won a penalty corner which was slammed home by Josh Nunneley to again level. But the visitors took a halftime lead with a last touch from Ross Watkins.

After the restart, George Brooker completed a sublime move. A cross field aerial pass from Josh Nunneley to Tyson Nunneley saw his pass find Brooker who netted from close range.

The game continued at a frantic pace with Banbury taking the upper hand as Joe Allen scored with only ten minutes remaining. The visitors threw themselves into the attack to gain a penalty corner that was fizzed home by Hamilton.

Right at the end the ball fell to Jonny Stirrup on the top of the visitors D but he saw his shot go wide.