City slickers end cup run as Banbury let lead slip

But Banbury looked as though they were heading for a place in the last four having established a two-goal interval advantage only to concede five second half goals in the 5-2 defeat.

In front of a record crowd, including a large group of supporters from the visitors, the tie started well for Banbury as Richard Foreman confirmed early dominance for the home side to break the deadlock after only nine minutes.

Banbury’s open attacking style seemed to overwhelm the visitors with Josh Nunneley converting a penalty corner to give the home side what looked like an unassailable halftime lead.

But Peterborough came out fighting for the second half and three goals in quick succession turned the tie around.

City reduced the arrears after only four minutes, equalised ten minutes later before taking the lead for the first time four minutes after that as Banbury faltered. The hosts were unable to find a solution to the visitors’ renewed vigour and were unable to convert the chances that may have secured their passage into the last four.

Despite a temporary respite as Banbury fought back, a series of errors and giving the ball away cheaply, enabled the visitors to capitalise. They scored twice in the last ten minutes as Banbury tired in the closing stages.