GIORGIO Rasulo’s classy strike sent Banbury United into the Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round.

The Puritans captain curled into the net a minute before the break to give his side a 1-0 win at Stratford Town.

It set up a home tie against Berkhamsted, who play two divisions below Banbury in Pitching In Southern League Division 1 Central.

Andy Whing handed a debut to new signing Callum Reilly and the visitors started brightly in front of a sizeable away following.

Ben Acquaye and Henry Landers forced Leon Phillips into early saves, before Connor Roberts made a vital block to deny Jack Storer.

Reilly was not the only former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international on the pitch, with Stratford’s Adam Rooney firing wide in the 18th minute.

Landers then lofted an effort wide as Banbury improved and they broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.

Rasulo provided the moment of class, curling home from just outside the box.

Both sides went close in an end-to-end second half, with Rooney missing another good opening 17 minutes from time.

Acquaye and substitute Will Owens looked lively, before Storer sent a stoppage-time free-kick over the crossbar in Stratford’s last chance.

Oxford City were also given a home tie in the next round of the Cup, against Plymouth Parkway.

The Devon outfit have already beaten Didcot Town and North Leigh in this season’s competition, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat the Millers 3-2 last time out.

All third qualifying round ties are scheduled to take place on the weekend of Saturday, October 1.