BANKS PERFECT END TO A SUNNY DAY

Banks had caused Hailsham repeated problems after the interval with his tricky runs. Midfielder Steve Webb had blazed haplessly wide from a beautifully cut back Banks cross only for Hailsham to kick into gear and take a 2-1 lead on the hour in their best spell of possession. A swift counter attack sent Peter Cooper through with a classy finish.

United were not to be denied a share of the spoils, though, and Banks' free header from a Stuart Sell corner with 10 minutes to go ended an entertaining afternoon.

Head coaches Geoff Raynsford and Keith Rowley were happy enough with a point after the game. Rowley said: "With a little bit more composure we could have easily got the three points. The team spirit is still high and we're looking forward to a successful Christmas and New Year."

Raynsford added: "It was vital we bounced back. We knew we had to match Hailsham physically and the boys did very well in that department. It was a real blow losing Dave Schneider in the first half."

Banks was Schneider's replacement after the new goal ace never recovered after a foul-induced ankle injury. In the 16th minute, a pinpoint 30-yard Steve Pickles pass and low Joe Shelley cross had set up Schneider's coolly-slotted eighth goal of the season.

United were unable to hold on for too long, though. Five minutes later, after a neat interchange of Hailsham passes, Simon Stevens planted a low drive past a despairing Paul House for the equaliser. Incidentally, United''s recalled veteran keeper, replacing the talented but inconsistent Dean Fuller, has now played in every division of the County League for United.

On the half-hour, United had every right to feel aggrieved when their penalty appeals were outrageously turned down. Bif Shelley rounded goalkeeper Mark Oldroyd who hauled him down and with the whole ground waiting for the whistle, referee Ian Butler waved play on.

Stuart Sell, his effort weak as the half-time tea, Paul Rapps and Bif Shelley, wasted subsequent United chances before Hailsham took the lead Banks was to wipe out.

UNITED: House, S. Di Paolo, Bone, Pickles, Lewis, Rapps, N. Shelley, Webb, Sell, Schneider, B. Shelley. Subs: Banks (Schneider 32), Brown (Webb 60), P. Raynsford (Lewis 75), Moses, Fuller gk. Att: 63.