This season is AFC Rushden & Diamond's first season at Southern League Premier Division level after they won promotion last season when finishing as runners-up in the Southern League Division One East Division. And a decent start to the higher level of football they have made with them currently in seventh place with 22 points from 14 games, just a point outside the play-off positions.

Saturday saw them earn three points by beating Bedworth United 3-1 at Hayden Road, former Puritan striker Tom Lorraine getting one of the Rushden goals. Tom is one of four Banbury players who played against Bedworth, the others being defenders Jack Ashton and Liam Dolman and midfielder Jack Westbrook.

United go into the game having not won in the league since beating bottom club Bedworth United back in mid-September but on Saturday it was a gutsy and much improved performance with a lot of character when, despite playing the last 30 minutes down to ten men, a last minute goal from Ricky Johnson earned the Puritans a 1-1 draw at Coalville Town, much to the delight of the large travelling Puritan contingent who certainly appreciated the effort and commitment shown by the whole squad in difficult circumstances.

With all the paperwork completed to the satisfaction of the FA and Southern League for the two month loan of Ravi Shamsi from Maidenhead United, the attacking midfielder is eligible for the game and is expected to be included in the squad.

Matchday Tickets (pay at turnstile)
£10 – Adult
£7 – Senior Citizens - 60+
£5 – Students (aged 19+, proof required).
£1 – 18 and under

Programme £2.

Away supporters are advised to use OX16 5AB for their Sat-Nav as the club's official postcode may well take you elsewhere! Full directions here.

NB Please note that the A422 is closed between Brackley and Banbury at Farthinghoe. If travelling South from Northampton on the A43 you are advised to turn off onto the B4525 at Syresham and follow this road to Banbury.

It is free to sit in the stand.

Hot Food available in the Clubhouse.

Free parking at the ground.

The old Chiltern Railway car park on Tramway Industrial Estate is available for use, free of charge. It would be very helpful to the club if local supporters who know their way around were able to use this facility.

And why not have a go on the club's 50/50 draw. One big prize and this has been over £150 at recent Saturday games – you have to be in it to win it!!