Brown bags brace to make the point

But Banbury went close to gaining all three division two points after racing into an early 2-0 lead at the team sitting one place above them.

Banbury made a strong start and put the pressure on Brighton’s defence from the first whistle.

A series of quick passes led to Emily Hogg making an excellent run up the right, securing the first short corner of the match. The first strike was saved by Brighton’s experienced keeper but Nicola Brown netted the rebound.

Moments later Brown produced another great strike to give Banbury a dream start inside the opening ten minutes.

Banbury continued to keep possession in open play but Brighton stepped up their attack, winning short corners. Capitalising on one of those opportunities, Brighton reduced the arrears before halftime.

After the restart Brighton began confidently and won a number of short corners but the Banbury defence held strong. Brighton finally found the equaliser to leave Banbury to reflect on what might have been.

Banbury III thumped 8-0 Oxford Hawkes V 8-0 in Saturday’s Trysports Three Counties League fixture.

Siobhan Kirwan-Lee completed a hat-trick in the division two fixture while Becky Kirwan-Lee, Katie Young, Sadie Lapper (2) and Claire Armstrong also scored.

Leaders Banbury IV won 7-0 against Reading IV in division four.

Helena Roberts (2), Nicola Page (2), Miranda Edwards, Anna Webb and Katie Atkins got the goals.

Banbury V won 12-0 against Abingdon III in division six.

Cath Page and Claire Jeffrey both hit four goals while Daisy Newton, Fran Bucher, Charlotte White and Holly Brummell also scored.