BANBURY United retained the Ron Thomas Cup as they started pre-season with a 3-0 win over Easington Sports.

Connor Roberts and Harvey Beckett put the Puritans 2-0 up before the break, with Josh Flanagan adding a third 17 minutes into the second half.

Banbury manager Andy Whing named Jak Hickman in the starting line-up, a day after the defender became the club’s first summer signing.

The former Coventry City player enjoyed a lively first half to give Puritans fans a taste of what to expect this season.

Easington worked hard throughout and had an early chance when Ben Taylor fielded Ibrahima Gueye’s effort.

The Oxfordshire Senior League Division One side could not hold out for long, though, and Roberts gave Banbury the lead from outside the penalty area after 15 minutes.

Beckett fired the hosts 2-0 in front just before the interval and was one of only three players to stay on the pitch for the second half as Whing made eight substitutions.

Henry Landers and Flanagan also returned, with the latter heading home Banbury’s third just after the hour mark.