Kelvin Langmead’s men will be looking to improve on their last outing on Tuesday night, where they were held to a goalless draw by Kettering Town. A crucial penalty save from Jack Harding just before the interval ensured United came away with a well-earned point in difficult conditions.

That result sees Banbury climb to 10th in the table, leapfrogging this weekend’s opponents Leiston. With seven games remaining, United sit seven points adrift of the final play-off spot, while also holding a game in hand over the current occupants of fifth place.

After an impressive nine-game unbeaten run, the Puritans have now gone four matches without a win. As the season enters its decisive stages, they will be aiming to return to winning ways and keep their play-off hopes alive.

United have already made the long trip to Suffolk once this season, securing a convincing 3-0 victory in late September to progress to the Fourth Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.

The Blues -

Leiston sit just one place below Banbury in 11th and remain in the hunt for a play-off position. They come into Saturday’s clash on the back of a 1-0 home victory over Worcester City last weekend.

Chris Wigger’s side have made Victory Road a difficult venue for visiting teams this season. The Blues have suffered just three home league defeats, with their last loss coming in late December—underlining the challenge that awaits Banbury.

In attack, Ben Fowkes leads the way for Leiston, having found the net 11 times so far this campaign. However, despite their strong home form, the Blues have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, recording two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five matches.

Previous Meetings -

The two sides have met eight times in league action since 2018, with Leiston winning just once during that period.

The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw, as Reece Styche’s goal cancelled out an opener from Joao Rangel.

Banbury were beaten 3-0 on their last league visit to Victory Road just under a year ago, but will be hoping to replicate their FA Cup success at the ground from earlier this season.

With the race for the play-offs intensifying, three points could prove vital for United as they look to close the gap and maintain pressure on the teams above them.

Match Preview written by Will Hutchinson.