The Puritans will be favourites on paper, playing a side from a lower division, but the hosts have already demonstrated their ability to compete against higher-level opposition after knocking out Alvechurch in the previous round. With a place in the next stage at stake, Kelvin Langmead’s men must be prepared for a difficult afternoon at the JJ Mac Stadium

The Puritans

Banbury head into the cup tie in encouraging form, having followed up a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Leighton Town with a valuable away draw against third-placed Bromsgrove Sporting in their last two outings.

Banbury will take confidence from their 3-1 victory at Peterborough Sports in the previous qualifying round, when Jacob Scott, AJ George and substitute Ben Nash found the net. George’s experience and attacking quality could prove important again, while Jackson will also be keen to build on his recent contribution at Bromsgrove.

Consistency has been a challenge this season, but the FA Trophy provides an opportunity to put their league troubles aside and make progress in a competition that offers a different route to success.

The Wakes

Bourne Town earned their place in the first-round proper with an impressive 2-1 away victory against Alvechurch, who compete in the same division as Banbury. The result was particularly noteworthy given Alvechurch’s strong home record, making the Wakes a side the Puritans cannot afford to underestimate.

Bourne took the lead through Josh Burrows, who scored his first goal for the club in the 29th minute. Alvechurch levelled shortly after half-time, but the visitors remained competitive, with goalkeeper Will Lakin making several important saves before Zak Allen struck the decisive goal with 11 minutes remaining.

That victory demonstrated Bourne’s resilience and ability to take their chances against stronger opposition. Playing at home, they will hope to carry that confidence into Saturday’s tie and make life uncomfortable for their higher-ranked visitors.

The Wakes compete in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division sitting 19th and will see the FA Trophy as an opportunity to test themselves against Southern League Premier Central opposition. Their last league game saw a 3-2 defeat at home to Mickleover Sports.

We are still awaiting match ticket information from Bourne Town.