BANBURY United suffered their first defeat of the season as Leamington held on in Warwickshire.

Louis Hall’s goal on the stroke of half-time proved enough for the hosts in the Vanarama National League North clash.

Andy Whing’s side stay second in the table and are back at home on Saturday, when Southport come to north Oxfordshire.

Banbury were unchanged from Saturday’s win over Hereford, but they were handed a boost as Kelvin Langmead returned from injury to make the bench.

The Puritans had the better of the opening half an hour without truly threatening, although they nearly went behind when Jack Lane headed wide.

Adam Walker was presented with another chance to put the hosts ahead after Jack Harding’s clearance was charged down, but he lifted the shot over the crossbar.

Leamington were enjoying a good spell and they finally cashed in when Hall made it 1-0 in the final minute of the half.

Banbury began on the front foot after the interval as Morgan Roberts, Giorgio Rasulo and Jak Hickman all went close, before Harry Parsons replaced Henry Landers on the hour.

Another loanee entered the fray as Charlie Williams came on for Hickman with 14 minutes left, but there was still no way through for the Puritans.

The lively Parsons had a shot blocked in stoppage-time and Leamington held out to take the points.