News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Match Report, 13 Aug - Banbury 3 Fylde 1

Match Report, 13 Aug - Banbury 3 Fylde 1

. Webmaster14 Aug 2022 - 14:23
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.banburyunitedfc.co

Red Hot Puritans upset the odds to beat Fylde

Goals from Ben Radcliffe, Alex Babos and Jak Hickman saw Andy Whing’s side come out 3-1 winners against favourites for the title, AFC Fylde.

On an extremely warm day there was an air of anticipation around the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium as the Puritans were set for their first ever National League North home game, a tough test against heavy favourites Fylde.

Banbury started off quickly, the ball was put across the box and met by Alex Babos who fired it over the bar.

Fylde then had their first chance of the game, Nick Haughton receiving the ball on the edge of the box and getting a shot away which went wide.

Banbury shocked the visitors on 11 minutes, Jack Stevens free kick was hit straight at the wall, the ball fell back to him and he passed it to Josh Smile in the middle, Smile then played a brilliant ball in to the right hand side of the box, Jay Williams beat his man headed it across goal and it was smashed in to the roof of the net by Ben Radcliffe for his first Banbury goal, sending the many home fans wild.

A Jack Harding error presented a great opportunity for Fylde as Haughton squared the ball to Rowley, Harding had no chance but an unbelievable goal line block by Williams kept the Puritans 1-0 up.

On the 38th minute Fylde won a penalty, the Fylde player turned in the box and was adjudged to have been brought down, a decision many found soft. Haughton stepped up and buried the subsequent penalty.

Just as quickly as they’d gone behind Banbury were back ahead Stevens had an effort saved, it ended up with Babos on the edge of the box he struck it well and it went in off the hands of the Neal, the Fylde keeper who could’ve done better.

Banbury went in to half time with a deserved lead having been the better side for the majority, Fylde’s only shot on target coming from their penalty.

Banbury started the second half well, a quick counter attack saw Stevens find Rasulo in the box, Rasulo’s effort cannoned off the post, it fell to Babos who scuffed his effort, Rasulo tried to help it on but it was saved easily by Neal.

Banbury continued to have chances, a short corner was played to Babos who played it across to Smile who’s effort was powerful but high and wide.

In the 65th minute Banbury puts themselves further ahead the ball was fired across the box by Morgan Roberts and tapped in by Jak Hickman for his first Banbury goal.

Fylde had a great chance when Philliskirk put Rowley in behind but Harding was brave and dived at the feet of Rowley to deny him a goal.

Banbury continued to have most of the possession and on the 90th minute the game turned slightly sour. Jordan Cranston and Jack Stevens got in to a tangle and ended up on the floor with Cranston on top of Stevens, Cranston got up and then fell back down on Stevens looking to have kneed Stevens in the head, the ref showed red to Cranston instantly and subsequently there was pushing and shoving between both teams.

With that the final whistle blew and Banbury had upset the odds, a dream start to our first ever National League North campaign, 6 points out of 6 so far.

A wonderful performance in front of a large and loud home crowd. Performances like that are the kind that make fans dream bigger than they may have before the season began, whatever happens we are in for a great journey.

Banbury United; Jack Harding, Jak Hickman, Connor Roberts, Jay Williams, Ben Radcliffe, Ben Acquaye (Sam Brown 85 mins) Josh Smile, Alex Babos, Giorgio Rasulo, Jack Stevens, Morgan Roberts (Henry Landers 70 mins) Subs (Unused): Ben Taylor (GK) Will Owens, Aidan Hawtin

AFC Fylde: Chris Neal, Jordan Cranston, Emeka Obi, Alex Whitmore, Joe Rowley, Danny Philliskirk, Nick Haughton, Connor Barrett (Sam Osborne 51 mins), Danny Whitehead (Keenan Patten 58’), Pierce Bird (Luke Conlan 68’) Brad Holmes. Subs (Unused): Tommy Simkin (GK), Kyle Morrison.

Attendance: 1003

Further reading