BANBURY United fell to their third successive Premier Division defeat in going down 3-1 at Hitchin Town on Saturday.

First-half goals from Brett Donnelly and Matt Lench gave the Puritans a steep hill to climb in the Evo-Stik Southern League clash.

Despite an improved second half, Robbie Burns headed a third, before Leam Howards grabbed a late consolation.

After an even opening ten minutes, the hosts began to dominate proceedings.

And on 13 minutes they took the lead when Donnelly got on the end of a corner to score from close range.

Hitchin continued to enjoy the better of the game and extended their lead.

Donnelly’s shot from the edge of the penalty area was well saved by Jack Harding, but Lench was quickest to react and knocked home the rebound.

Lewis Rolfe then came within inches of making it 3-0 from 25 yards, before on 32 minutes Banbury carved out their best opportunity of the half.

Mark Bell’s free-kick found Mark Janes at the far post, but his header was saved by goalkeeper Michael Johnson.

The Puritans improved after the break and on 49 minutes Ricky Johnson went close to reducing the arrears, but his dinked effort went just over.

And Johnson had another opportunity on 56 minutes when Felipe Barcelos crossed from the right, but he could not keep his header down.

Hitchin went close to punishing Banbury’s missed opportunities when Burns forced Harding into a decent save.

The Puritans huffed and puffed in the remaining 20 minutes, but were unable to create an opening.

Duran Martin came closest, his free-kick tipped over the bar by Michael Johnson.

Hitchin continued to have their chances, though, and Josh Coley could have put the match beyond Banbury’s reach, only to see his shot go past Harding and the wrong side of a post.

But a minute later, they did make sure of victory as Burns met Kane Smith’s cross with a diving header which found the bottom corner of the net.

The visitors refused to give in and they grabbed a consolation a minute from time.

Howards latched on to a long through ball from Darius Brown and beat Michael Johnson from 12 yards.

The Puritans now look to arrest their winless run when they host Redditch United this afternoon.

Banbury Utd: Harding, White, Lynn, Nash, Westbrook, Gunn, Janes, Self (Martin 63), Johnson, Barcelos (Howards 75), Bell (Browne 58).

Subs not used: Blackstock, Fawke.

Attendance: 350.