Erith and Belvedere missed out on a chance of moving up to third place after wasting a number of clear-cut chances in the second half in a 1-1 draw with Banbury on Saturday.

It follows the Dr Martens League Cup exit, losing 2-1 at home to Folkestone Invicta of the Premier Division in the midweek.

Banbury got off to a great start in the second minute when Matt Gooderick raced clear and slotted the ball past Deres' goalkeeper Dean Lee.

The equalising goal came on 35 minutes when Mark Vercesi set up Glenn Bilenness and he scored from just inside the box.

In the first minute of the second half, Richard Vercesi's shot was too weak to trouble Simon Trickler and then triker Steve White saw his effort go just wide of the Banbury upright 10 minutes after the break.

Five minutes later, another effort by White was blocked on the line and seconds later Mark Vercesi saw his effort also go wide.

The Deres continued to pressurise Banbury's defence and Billenness volleyed over after being set up by White.

Banbury were on the back- foot for most of the time and defended well, although in the last minute, Deres' Darren Adams skied over from only a yard out.

In the first of five minutes of injury time, Deres keeper Lee was sent off for handling outside his area.

Billenness went in goal for the fourth time as makeshift goalie this season, but was not pressured in the remaining four minutes.

Last night (Tuesday) Erith were at home to Cockfosters in the London Senior Cup.

This Saturday, the Deres face potentially their most difficult match of the season so far, when they travel to league leaders Hastings.

November 20, 2001 11:59