BANBURY United let slip a two-goal cushion as they had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Evesham United on Boxing Day.

Callum White and Ricky Johnson put United 2-0 up, but Evesham fought back to earn a point.

The draw leaves Mike Ford’s side seventh in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West and without a win in three games.

After Evesham had twice gone close in the first half through Adam Mann, Banbury took the lead in first half stoppage time.

White fired home from a narrow angle after Evesham had initially struggled to clear the ball.

Zac McEachran tested Kevin Sawyer shortly after the break, before Banbury went 2-0 up in the 52nd minute.

Darius Browne and McEachran combined to set up Johnson, who netted from close range.

McEachran and George Nash missed chances to put the visitors out of sight.

And they were made to rue those opportunities when substitutive Jared Wilson netted for Evesham in the 73rd minute.

Johnson then missed a one-on-one with Sawyer to seal it for Banbury, before Lance Smith netted the hosts’ equaliser with five minutes left.

Banbury are next in action on Saturday when they host local rivals Wantage Town.

Banbury Utd: Harding, Welch-Hayes, Steedman, Stanbridge (Westbrook 72), Wise, Gunn, White, Nash, Johnson, McEachran, Browne (Bell 53). Subs not used: Martin, Kalakoutis, Blackstock.

Attendance: 331.