Banbury United head to the West Midlands on Tuesday evening, with The Puritans recently enjoying an impressive run of form. A nine game unbeaten run was ended on Saturday afternoon away at Quorn, where Langmead’s men were beaten 2-0.

Goals early on in both halves from the home side were enough to hand United their first league defeat since mid – December. A run which has cemented them in the play – off picture with 10 games to go.

Despite Saturday’s defeat, Banbury still sit 10th in the table, six points off the play – offs with two games in hand.

Tuesday night’s trip to The Grove will present Banbury with an opportunity to secure three points against a fellow play – off contender in Halesowen.

Before last weekend, The Puritans had enjoyed a statement win away at Spalding United, alongside victories against Harborough Town and Worcester. The form shown will be something that United can replicate to keep them in mix.

The Yeltz

The hosts sit just outside of the play off places in seventh. They’re three points ahead of Langmead’s side, but have played two games more.

Last Saturday saw a dramatic defeat away to Spalding United who moved back to the top of the table with the win. Despite being down to 10 men, Spalding came from 2-0 down to defeat The Yeltz in injury time.

Recently, Russ Penn’s side have struggled to find the consistent levels they had sought earlier in the season, where one defeat in 11 games pushed them into a league position similar to Banbury.

Five defeats in their last eight league games has meant Tuesday’s hosts will be looking to find a run of form that can consolidate them in the top five.
Halesowen have the deadliest striker in the league in Jason Cowley. The front man has 27 goals to his name so far this season.

There will be some familiar faces in the home camp, with former Puritans in Jak Hickman, Josh Smile and AJ George all currently at The Grove.

Previous Meetings

In the last three meetings, Halesowen have come out victorious on each occasion, including the 3-0 at Banbury back in October.

Before then, the sides met in the 2018/2019 season where Banbury won at home before a 2-0 loss at the Grove.

It’s been 16 years since Banbury last won at Halesowen, but they’ll head into Tuesday’s game hoping to start another run of games to finish the season as strongly as possible.

Road Closure

The normal access to the ground is closed for gas works.

The alternative directions are: -Leave M5 at Junction 3, follow A456 Kidderminster to first island. Turn right signposted A459 Dudley. Turn left at next island signposted A458 Stourbridge. At next island take fourth into Furnace Lane, second exit left to Whittingham Road, first left into Old Hawne Lane. Ground is about 400 yards on right.

Match preview written by Will Hutchinson.