Witney-born midfielder, Lawson D’Ath, is the latest player to sign up to join Banbury United in the Vanamara National League North campaign next season. D’Ath came through the youth ranks at the Madejski Stadium but made his league debut on loan at Yeovil Town in League 1 as a 19-year-old.

He gained further experience on loan at Cheltenham, Exeter, and Dagenham & Redbridge, accumulating 31 appearances in League 2 before moving to Northampton Town permanently in 2014. The then 22 year-old opened his spell at the Shoe Army in style as he scored a brace on his debut against Championship opposition Wolverhampton Wanders in the first round of the League Cup. During his time at Sixfields, Lawson excelled in midfield, producing 26 goal involvements in 95 appearances for the Cobblers, playing a key part in their League 2 title win in the 2015/16 season.

After playing a pivotal role in the title-winning team, Lawson D'Ath attracted the attention of Luton Town, who swiftly signed him for an undisclosed fee in January 2017. Towards the back end of the season, he once again found himself part of a team in contention at the top of the League 2 table. However, his hopes of gracing Wembley in the League 2 play-off final were dashed in a cruel manner when Blackpool scored a last-gasp winner in the play-off semi-finals, denying him the opportunity. The following season proved to be challenging for Lawson, as he was presented with limited opportunities in League 1 and as a result, he was released by the Hatters at the end of the 17/18 season.

Following his departure from Luton Town, Lawson D'Ath joined MK Dons for the 18/19 season. During his brief spell at the Stadium MK, he made 15 appearances, playing a role in the club's successful campaign that led to automatic promotion from League 2.

Having amassed an impressive tally of 163 football league appearances, Lawson returned to the club where his professional journey began: Yeovil Town, for the 19/20 season. Since his return to Huish Park, the midfielder has been a prominent figure, featuring in 82 matches in the Vanarama National League. Furthermore, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience by making a strong comeback from a significant injury sustained at the end of the 20/21 season. Following the Glovers’ relegation from the National League, D’Ath became unattached following his contract expiration.

“I’m really happy to be joining Banbury United,” said D’Ath. “I consider myself local, being from Witney and having played for Adderbury as a junior. I have lots of friends in Banbury. I worked under Mark Jones when he was a coach at Yeovil and he was one of the main reasons I’ve chosen to come to Banbury. I know we will both give it our all.”