ANDY Whing was full of praise for his Banbury United players, who missed the chance to secure the league title as their closest rivals also won.

Banbury’s 3-1 win at Lowestoft Town wasn’t enough as Coalville Town’s 3-0 victory at Leiston ensured Whing’s team would have to wait another week for the chance to claim the title.

The Puritans went into the game with a 20-point cushion ahead of Coalville in Pitching In Southern League Premier Central, although Coalville have two games in hand.

Banbury were up against a Lowestoft side rock bottom of the league and four points inside the relegation zone prior to kick-off, however the Suffolk outfit headed into the game after beating Coalville 3-2 to secure an invaluable three points last time out.

Read again: Banbury United forced to wait for league title after rivals also win

Whing said his players rose to the occasion in the first half, playing with a high intensity from kick-off.

The Banbury boss said: “All we can do is our job and win football games.

“We’re 20 points clear and if it doesn’t happen next time, we just carry on and do our job.

“We were absolutely fantastic on Saturday – they’re battling and fighting, and we knew it would be a tough test for us.

“We spoke about starting on the front foot, with quick throw-ins and free kicks.

“The first half was one of the best of the season, we had chance after chance, and kept going – the only criticism is we didn’t score earlier.”

Read more: North Leigh continue play-off push with draw at league leaders

Morgan Roberts gave Banbury the lead just before the half hour mark, and the Puritans went 2-0 up on 35 minutes when Ben Acquaye’s cross caused havoc and was deflected in for an own goal.

Chris Wreh made it 3-0 with a super strike into the far corner on 66 minutes.

Josh Harvey pulled a goal back for the hosts 10 minutes later, after a spell of pressure.

Banbury still five more games to seal the league title, starting with a home game against Tamworth on Saturday.

The Staffordshire outfit are unbeaten in seven since Andy Peaks took over as manager last month, and Whing acknowledged Tamworth would be stern opposition for Banbury to try and secure the league title against.

“We know it’s going to be tough, they’ve got a new manager and a big budget,” he said.

“It’ll be a tough game and we know we’ll have to be at our best.

“It’s been a fantastic season for us, and the fans will come in numbers to support us.”