Relegation is a major concern for Wantage Town boss Stuart Cattell after the Alfredians’ 8-1 drubbing at Banbury United in the Evo-Stik Southern League on Saturday, writes Matthew Bruce.

Cattell, who has been in temporary charge since the resignation of Daniel Barry in October, has seen his side lose their last seven matches in all competitions to slide to within one point of the Division 1 South & West relegation zone.

“It’s obviously worrying because we are really dragged down into the relegation fight now and I’ve just told the lads that they’ve got to realise that and come out fighting,” said Cattell.

“They’re a young squad, so it has taken a bit of the stuffing out of them. But there’s no point going in there and ranting and raving.

“We’ve just got to try and pick them up and get as many positive results as we can.

“Hopefully that will be enough to keep us up.”

Mark Bell struck a stunning hat-trick as Banbury destroyed the hapless visitors.

Substitute Leam Howards bagged a quickfire double and there were also goals for Zac McEachran, George Nash and Ricky Johnson.

Aaron Ferris netted the away side’s consolation.

Striker Jimmy Deabill could have put Wantage in front just before the half-hour, but his header was held by goalkeeper Jack Harding.

Banbury opened the scoring in the tenth minute when Bell’s scuffed shot from the edge of the area bobbled in.

The hosts had to wait until the 40th minute to make it 2-0. Bell, drilling in a low free-kick.

Oxford United loanee Miles Welch-Hayes was involved in Banbury’s third goal just before the break, crossing for the unmarked McEachran to tap in.

The second half was less than a minute old when the unmarked Nash blasted home the fourth.

Ferris pulled one back for the Alfredians in the 58th minute, swerving through several challenges before firing home.

But that proved to be just a brief respite for the visitors, with substitute Howards adding two goals in a minute.

Johnson made it seven soon afterwards before Bell completed his hat-trick.

Wantage Tn: Cavanagh, Elliott, Hulbert-Thomas, Glover, Collier, Carbon (McGlynn 21) Ferris, Barder, Deabill (Barton 65), B Whitehead, Thorne. Subs not used: H Whitehead, Leigh, Cattell.

Attendance: 316.