Tower Hill slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Banbury United in the South Region Women’s Football League.

Banbury started the stronger, but were unable to turn their dominance into goals due to some solid defending by the hosts with a superb displays from centre back Jess Witcher and keeper Mel Gilbert, who shared the player of the match award.

The visitors almost broke the deadlock in the final minute of the half when a long throw caused havoc in the Tower Hill. But Gilbert kept out Catherine Howse’s well-struck shot.

But she could do nothing when Banbury scored from the resulting corner, Josie Clark firing Zoe Boote’s flag kick into the top of the net from eight yards.

Tower Hill turned up the pressure after the break and went close to levelling on 72 minutes when the Banbury keeper tipped away a long-range effort from Sarah Coles.

The hosts kept pushing forward, but could not find the equaliser as Banbury held on.