The Puritans’ recent struggles continued last weekend, as they exited the FA Trophy following a narrow defeat to Bracknell Town. The Robins’ Noah McCann struck the decisive goal, and despite Banbury’s pressure late on, the hosts held firm to see out the game.

With both the FA Cup and FA Trophy journeys now over for the season, manager Kelvin Langmead’s full focus turns to league action and getting his side firing again in front of goal.

Banbury have endured a frustrating run in recent weeks, failing to find the net in their last four fixtures in all competitions and conceding seven goals in that period. There have been promising spells of attacking football, but the Puritans will be looking to rediscover that cutting edge and turn performances into points.

Puritans struggling to find an equaliser against Bracknell Town in the FA Trophy.

Club can also announce that Nico Jones is now dual registered with Rushden and Diamonds to gain match fitness.

THE HOSTS – BURY TOWN

Bury Town have also experienced a mixed start to their campaign, with early exits from both the FA Cup and FA Trophy mirroring Banbury’s own cup exits.

Their most recent outing saw a 4–2 defeat to Needham Market, where Cole Skuse’s side conceded three goals in the opening 28 minutes, a tough deficit to overturn despite a spirited response. That result marked back-to-back league defeats for the Suffolk side.

Skuse has since looked to strengthen his attacking options, bringing in 27 year old, Jamie McGrath from Needham Market, a forward with over 100 appearances for the Marketmen. McGrath will be hoping to make an instant impact in his new colours.

LAST MEETING

The last time these two sides met was in October 2022, in a memorable FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium. Banbury were aiming to reach the First Round Proper for the first time in almost 50 years and were hosting a Bury Town side from one division lower at the time.

The conditions were far from ideal, with pouring rain and gusty winds throughout and it was the visitors who struck first. Jake Chambers-Shaw rode a challenge and slipped the ball through to Ollie Hughes, who fired Bury Town ahead with a composed finish into the right-hand corner.

After a quiet spell in the second half, the game was transformed by a moment of brilliance from Jack Self, who had come on as an early substitute. Controlling the ball on his chest 25 yards from goal, Self volleyed superbly over the keeper to level the score in the 78th minute.

Just three minutes later, Henry Landers produced a terrific low driven shot into the bottom right corner to complete the turnaround. The Puritans held firm to see out the match and secure their place in the FA Cup First Round for the first time since 1973.

Manager Kelvin Langmead, who played in that famous win, will remember the emotion of that day and will be eager to inspire his players to another positive result against the Blues

TICKETS

Tickets are available to purchase here.

Prices:
Adults: £12
Concessions: £8 (60+ or 16–19 years old)
Children: £4 (10–16 years old)
Under 10s: Free