RICKY Johnson scored the only goal of the game as Banbury United marked their return to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division with victory at Basingstoke Town.

Johnson fired home on the hour to give Mike Ford’s newly-promoted side the best possible start to the season.

Banbury had the better of the first half, with Johnson shooting into the side-netting and having an effort disallowed for offside.

Basingstoke enjoyed a good spell just before half-time when centre half Matt Partridge fired just over.

Mark Janes stung the hands of Town keeper Alex Tokarczyk before Banbury scored the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute.

Zac McEachran fed the ball through to Johnson, who fired home from 12 yards.

The visitors stayed in control and would have won by more had efforts from McEachran and Duran Martin not struck the bar

After the game it was announced Banbury defender Charlie Wise, who played all last season, had left the club.

Banbury Utd: Harding, White, Lynn, Nash, Westbrook, Gunn, McEachran, Self (Martin 82), Johnson, Janes. (Barcelos 68), Bell (Browne 68). Subs not used: Benjamin, Howards.

Attendance: 482.