On a rain swept evening on Wednesday April 25th 1979, over 2,000 fans crammed into the sheltered areas of the Spencer Stadium to enjoy this match against Coventry City which brought a vital financial boost to the Puritans during very difficult times.

The superb sentiment and assistance from the Sky Blues in bringing their full first team squad, fresh from a 4-0 victory against Southampton at Highfield Road on the previous Saturday was a magnificent gesture long remembered by the United officials. Financial Director, Mike Cross, stated this is a lifeline for the club and could be the start of better things to come.

The previous evening Banbury United had clinched a vital Southern League victory 2-1 at Barry Town and the squad had the opportunity to enjoy this challenge against top notch professionals from the country’s top division. The Sky Blues fielded two Scottish Internationals, centre half Jim Holton and left wing wizard Tommy Hutchinson and, whilst Coventry were a class above the home side, the United players were undaunted and worked hard throughout on a heavy pitch despite the tough game the previous evening in Wales.

Our present Chairman, Phil Lines and Club Ambassador Ronnie Johnson were playing in the game that evening and it was Johnson who remembered with fondness the encounter.

“I was a big Coventry fan at the time and was that excited by the prospect of the game, playing up front I was marked by the awesome Jim Holton and Coventry stalwart Mick Coop . All I could think of was the Terrace song – 6 foot 2, eyes of blue, Big Jim Holton is after you! Also to be on the same pitch as the fantastic left wing forward Tommy Hutchinson was a dream come true. I remember my job at corners was to stand in front of the keeper and generally make a nuisance of myself. So, for our first corner I positioned myself in front of the Coventry custodian, Les Sealey. As the corner was delivered Sealey promptly cracked me across the side of the head. Somewhat stunned I looked back at the keeper who gave me a cheeky wry wink! Great memories from an important evening for the Puritans” said Johnson.

The game also introduced Banbury youngster Martin Singleton, who had signed schoolboy forms for the Sky Blues earlier in the year. With United facilitating Martin joining Coventry, the Sky Blues had originally agreed to send a side to Banbury for a pre-season friendly in August. However, with United’s finances so desperate towards the end of the season, City had willingly agreed to come on this April evening, as without this assistance club directors were doubting the ability of the club to see it through the summer and to begin the following season.

The game finished 3-0 to the Sky Blues with goals from Gary Bannister, Tommy Hutchinson and Bobby Mc Donald.

The score was really not relevant though and the “winner“ was the football family, whereupon over 2,000 football fans could enjoy the moment. A major club did their best to help a minor club in their time of need!

Below are a couple of match photos, Wally Hastie about to challenge Coventry City's Steve Hunt as he shoots for goal, Gary Bannister heading Coventry in front, a couple of match previews, a match report and some extracts from the matchday programme