Ardley United bowed out of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time defeat against Banbury United in a semi-final thriller at Thame United on Tuesday.

Kevin Brock’s cup holders twice came from behind before losing out to their Southern League Premier Division opponents.

Banbury took control early on and Jack Harding in the Ardley goal had to be alert to tip over Luke Cray’s header from Marvin Martin’s dangerous cross.

And there was little surprise when the Puritans went ahead on 25 minutes as a corner was deflected in off Leam Howards.

Fifteen minutes from time, Ardley almost equalised, but Ricky Johnson’s overhead kick rebounded off the bar.

But they kept up the pressure and five minutes later were level after the former Banbury striker Johnson fired home a penalty after being man-handled in the area.

But their joy was short lived as Banbury re-took the lead on 85 minutes when Tom Ryan crashed the ball home.

It looked like Banbury would hold on, but substitute Andrew Prescott rifled home after Chris Jackson’s header hit the bar to set up extra time.

Barely three minutes into the first period of extra time, Ardley took the lead for the first time when Conor Ingram latched on to Ollie Stanbridge’s pass before lashing past Leigh Bedwell.

Banbury responded quickly, with Jacob Walcott putting away a spot-kick past Harding after Isaac was tripped in the area.

And Ardley’s brave challenge ended four minutes later when Banbury scored the winner, substitute Nathaniel Lewars bundling in a corner.

Although Ardley piled on the pressure, Banbury held on to book their place in the final against either North Leigh or Oxford United.

Ardley are without a league game at the weekend.

Meanwhile, substitute David Iglus hit a late winner to give Charlton Res their first Oxfordshire Senior League Division 2 victory of the season as they beat Yarnton Res 1-0 at home.

Charlton are five points adrift at the bottom with four games left.

Launton Sports lost 4-2 at Marston Saints in the Premier Division.

Jacob Drewitt, David Hook, Elliott Powell and Ben Crawford did the damage.

An Anthony Simpson own goal and a Chris Johnson strike made up Launton’s reply.

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