Banbury United travel to Northamptonshire on Saturday on the back of a fifth consecutive victory, secured with last weekend’s home win over Bury Town. The decisive moment came shortly after the restart, when Josh Flanagan reacted quickest inside the box, steering home from 12 yards for his second goal in as many games.

The win sees The Puritans sit in ninth place, with games in hand over all but one team above them.

Following a fragmented run of fixtures since late December, the recent consistency has been especially encouraging. The group have managed the interruptions well and, in doing so, continue to strengthen their position among the play-off picture.

The last time Banbury were on the road, a battling display saw them overcome table-toppers Spalding United. It is a level of performance they will look to reproduce on Saturday, as United aim to extend their run to six straight victories.

The Poppies -

Kettering Town sit just two places and three points behind Banbury, although they do have a game in hand on the visitors.

Like Banbury, Liam McDonald’s side come into the game in strong form. Three consecutive victories have propelled The Poppies firmly into the play-off picture, with momentum building. Their most recent success came on the road at St Ives Town last Saturday, where Edward Panter’s hat-trick secured all three points.

Panter now tops the scoring charts for the Northamptonshire outfit and heads into the weekend in fine form, having netted five times in his last three appearances.

Saturday will also see a return to familiar surroundings for Kelvin Langmead, who made 43 appearances for Kettering during the 2023/24 campaign. Josh Flanagan is another with Poppies connections, having previously enjoyed a loan spell at the club. Meanwhile, George Forsyth — who featured for United in the 2024/25 season — now wears the captain’s armband for the hosts.

It will be Kettering’s first home game in nine weeks after suffering pitch issues similar to those experienced by Banbury in recent months.

Previous Meetings -

With the two sides having met back in October, the mood around this fixture feels completely different. Both teams were battling inconsistency and searching for rhythm on the pitch. The result saw The Poppies run out 2-0 winners.

The two sides have met 19 times in league games since 1966/67 season. Kettering winning eight and Banbury tasting success four.

Latimer Park is has not been the kindest of grounds for United, having not won on their last six visits.

Spectator information -

With segregation in place, visiting Puritans will enter via the North (Morrison’s) gates and be directed by stewards to their area, where food and drinks are available.

Online tickets only via the Away Fans link. Deadline: noon Saturday. Click here.

Police and an FA Observer will be present, and supporters are asked to behave responsibly throughout the match.

If fans wish further information, please contact info@ketteringtownfc.com

Match Preview written by Will Hutchinson.