CHRIS Withington’s superb late strike helped Banbury United kickstart pre-season with a 1-0 win at Oxford City.

The Evo-Stik League South Premier outfit put in a promising performance against their Vanarama National League South hosts at Court Place Farm.

Banbury’s Chid Onokwai poked wide from close range on five minutes.

City’s best efforts fell to Matt Paterson, who twice saw shots blocked in front of goal.

The Puritans broke the deadlock on 85 minutes when a corner was only cleared to Withington, who fired the ball into the top corner from 20 yards.

Banbury are in action tonight when they travel to Easington Sports (7.30), while City take on Didcot Town (7.45).

The Railwaymen put in an encouraging display as they lost 1-0 at home to Vanarama National League side Eastleigh.

Chris Zebroksi should have put the visitors ahead, but fired into the side netting after being denied by Leigh Bedwell.

Didcot’s Louis Joyce tested Graham Stack, but the visitors broke from the resulting corner.

Mark Yeates chipped into the box and Danny Hollands volleyed home from close range.

Joyce was denied by Stack after the break, but the second half proved a quiet affair.

Their South West counterparts, North Leigh beat Lydney Town 5-0 away from home.

George Seacole hit a hat-trick and Michael Hopkins a brace for the Millers, who face Longlevens on Saturday.

Kidlington lost 3-1 at home to Thatcham Town, with Lewis Gabbidon scoring for the Greens in the second half.

They visit Marlow tonight.

Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 West side Letcombe played twice against Marlborough, winning 3-0 and 5-1.

Conner Lynch (2) and Luke Conner struck in the first game.

Lynch (2), Jack Heggie, Alex Fragata and an own goal then earned victory in the second.