Banbury United are now ten points away from safety after a poor defensive display saw them go down to a 4-2 home defeat against Chippenham Town in Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division on Saturday.

The Puritans never recovered after conceding three early goals to Chippenham, even though they fought back valiantly in the second half.

Chippenham took the lead in the 17th minute through Charlie Griffin, before the same player doubled the lead on 34 minutes when he fired in at the far post.

Within four minutes, Ashan Holgate made it 3-0.

Second half substitute Leam Howards pulled one back on 53 minutes from Marvin Martin’s pass.

However, Alex Ferguson ended Banbury's comeback hopes with Chippenham's fourth.

Hicham Abdellah’s free-kick cut the deficit on 79 minutes with Banbury's second, but it was too late.

Banbury Utd: Bedwell, Walcott, Martin, Fishwick, Tappin (Lewars 84), Ryan, Green, Westbrook (Daffern 70), Isaac, Weston (Howards 46), Abdellah. Subs not used: Browne, Cray.

Attendance: 328.