Easter Monday presents a stern test for Banbury United, as Kelvin Langmead’s side travel to league leaders Harborough Town. The hosts currently sit seven points clear at the top of the table and look well on course to secure the title in the coming weeks.

It was far from a Good Friday for The Puritans, who fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Royston Town in what was a flat and frustrating performance. The game turned early in the second half when Nico Jones was sent off, conceding a penalty that was calmly dispatched by James Brighton.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Banbury showed resilience and found an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining, as Alex Prosser produced a superb curling effort beyond the goalkeeper. However, their hard work was undone late on, with Royston restoring their lead in the 87th minute to claim just their fifth victory of the season.

The result leaves Banbury in 12th place, now 11 points adrift of the play-off positions, with only five games remaining. While a top-five finish appears increasingly unlikely, Langmead’s men will be determined to end the season on a positive note. Speaking after the defeat, Langmead admitted that “disappointed didn’t come close” and will be demanding a strong response from his side on Monday.

There are also injury concerns, with Pete Abimbola forced off before half-time on Friday and now a doubt for Monday’s trip to Leicestershire.

The Bees

Harborough Town arrive in formidable form. Mitch Austin’s side have lost just once in their last 16 league matches, that defeat coming at Banbury back in early March.

The Bees were in action on Friday, securing a 2-1 victory away at St Ives Town. That result further underlined their title hopes, as they maintain a healthy seven-point lead at the top of the division and edge closer to promotion to Step 2 of the non-league pyramid.

Adding to the challenge for Banbury, Harborough boast an outstanding home record, remaining unbeaten on their own turf this season with 13 wins and six draws.

One key threat will be leading scorer Brady Hickey, who has netted 16 goals so far this campaign.

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 85th minute, courtesy of Joel Oder-Larbi; however, Ben Stephens netted a stoppage-time equaliser to ensure the visitors didn’t leave empty-handed.

This season saw United win in early March, as Joel Anker’s goal handed Harborough just their third defeat of the season.

Match Preview written by Will Hutchinson