Following Banbury’s win over Sutton Coldfield Town in a play-off game at the end of the previous season, Saturday 14th August 2004 saw the club play its first ever game in the Premier Division of the Southern League.

The opening game of the season saw United away at Twerton Park against Bath City. This was the Puritans first league game against Bath since February 1969, at a time when the Romans had a three-year spell in the Southern League First Division.

There was an attendance of 509 at Twerton Park, including around 100 supporting the Puritans, in what was a glorious sunny afternoon, typical for the first day of the football season!

In the game, following good early pressure, Bath took the lead in the 27th minute when Russell Milton threaded a pass through to Steve Tweddle who had no trouble in putting the ball wide of Simon Tricker, into the far corner.

The home side’s midfield were edging things for the remainder of the half, but United’s defence coped well, looking fairly comfortable at the back against a very lively Bath outfit, and they were unfortunate to go further behind in the 66th minute. Ollie Stanbridge ran into the back of Graeme Power, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The very impressive John Williams slammed the ball home, giving Tricker no chance.

United piled on the pressure looking for a way back into the game, and they managed to pull a goal back in the 89th minute when Paul Eldridge sent a right-wing corner over to the far side of the penalty area. Blossom headed it back into the middle, and when Bath failed to clear, Andy Wallbridge smashed the ball into the roof of the net but Bath held on for the win.

Banbury United: Simon Tricker, Ady Fuller (Andy Wallbridge 47 mins), Wayne Blossom, Kieran Sullivan, Jason Allen, Paul Eldridge, Ollie Stanbridge, Matt Brandish (Jody McKay 67 mins), Howard Forinton, George Redknap, Liam O’Neill (Mark Simms 67 mins). Subs (not used: Mark Essex, Darren Pond.

It was a difficult start to life as a Premier Division club for the Puritans, just one point from their first five games! However, a win away to Chesham United at the end of August, followed by three wins in September saw the Puritans up to mid-table and though the rest of the season was inconsistent, they finished in 17th place, a decent enough finish for their first season at the new level.

Simon Tricker was ever-present in league games that season, making 42 appearances. Wayne Blossom, Ollie Stanbridge and Kieran Sullivan missed just one game. Howard Forinton was leading league goalscorer with 23 goals.

Here is a newly discovered team photo for season 2004/05:

The players are:

Back Row (Left to Right): Les Robinson, Jason Allen, Chris Jackson, Wayne Blossom, Simon Tricker, Mark Essex, Jason Burnham, Howard Forinton, Jody McKay.

Front Row (Left to Right): George Redknap, Darren Pond, Kieran Sullivan, Ollie Stanbridge, Chris Potter.

Below is a scan of a pre-season preview that appeared in the Banbury Guardian, a photo of a section of the Banbury United supporterss and some photos from the game at Bath.

Puritan faithful at Bath