Banbury United return to action on Tuesday evening with a stern midweek test as high-flying Harborough Town make the trip to the Spencer Stadium, powered by Egg.

The Puritans head into the contest in excellent form, currently enjoying a seven-game unbeaten run that has propelled Kelvin Langmead’s side firmly into the top half of the table. Confidence is high, with United building real momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Saturday’s scheduled trip to Stamford AFC fell victim to the weather — a familiar frustration in recent weeks — but attentions now quickly turn to another challenge under the lights.

Home form has been a major positive for United. They are unbeaten in their last eight matches at the Spencer Stadium, powered by Egg, winning six of those encounters. The kind of form on home turf that could prove vital against a Harborough side currently sitting second in the table.

In 10th place, Banbury remain firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot. Just seven points separate them from the top five, and with three games in hand, the squad have given themselves a strong platform to mount a play – off push between now and the end of the season.

Tuesday presents another opportunity to extend their unbeaten run and underline their qualities against one of the division’s strongest outfits.

The Bees

With just two losses in the league to date, promotion favourites Harborough come into the game in second place, with four games in hand over leaders Spalding United.

Defeated late on at Stourbridge in mid – December and a 3-1 defeat away at Spalding United three weeks later, the results mean they have only been beaten twice on the road in 13 months.

Mitch Austin’s men boast the best defensive record in the league so far, with only 22 goals conceded in 29 games, as they look to maintain their impressive form on Tuesday.

At the other end of the pitch, goals have been shared about, with Riley O’Sullivan leading the charts for The Bees.

Harborough come into the game having won their last seven games on the bounce. Victory at home to Barwell the latest success for Tuesday night’s visitors. It means they have now won nine of their last ten league games.

Previous Meetings

The two sides only met for the first time last campaign, with The Bees winning 4-1 at home. The return fixture saw late drama in a 2-2 draw. United had thought they had won it in the 89th minute courtesy of Joel Odei-Larbi, however Ben Stephens netted a stoppage time equaliser to ensure the visitors didn’t leave empty handed.

Match preview written by Will Hutchinson.