BANBURY United’s hopes of making the fourth qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup were cruelly ended by a late goal in a 2-1 defeat at Wealdstone.

Sahr Kabba’s 88th-minute winner saved the Vanarama National League South’s sides blushes after Puritans striker Ricky Johnson had cancelled out Tom Hamblin’s opener.

It denied Mike Ford’s Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division side their first appearance in the fourth qualifying draw since 1980.

Hosts Wealdstone started the brighter and took the lead on 11 minutes when Hamblin headed home Matt Whichelow’s cross.

The Puritans grew into the game and Oxford United loanee George Jeacock saw a shot saved by Jonathan North, before firing another effort over.

Wealdstone dominated the latter stages of the half and visiting goalkeeper Jack Harding kept out Ricky Wellard’s effort, before the same player headed over from a corner.

Elliott Benyon then had a great chance to double the home side’s lead, but shot wide.

Banbury improved after the break and levelled on 57 minutes.

A free-kick was pumped deep into the box and although Johnson saw his header saved by North, the striker was on hand to fire home on the rebound.

Banbury began looking more dangerous as the tie opened up, but it was the home side who found the all-important winner with two minutes to go.

Wealdstone countered and Benyon’s cross from the right was slotted home by substitute Kabba from six yards out.

There was still time for Banbury to equalise, but Johnson fired just wide.

Banbury Utd: Harding, Gunn, White, Nash, Fawke, McEachran, Blackstock (Westbrook HT), Self, Johnson, Jeacock (Browne 82), McDonagh (Janes 58). Subs not used: Bell, Rimmer.

Attendance: 457.