The Puritans make the long trip east for a final-day game away at Needham Market. Langmead’s men have, by their standards, been underwhelming in recent weeks.

Since the unbeaten run spanning nine games, United have picked up just one win in their last ten games, leaving them in the middle of the pack with nothing but pride to play for.

A goalless draw at the Spencer Stadium, powered by Egg, last time out saw Redditch United frustrated by a disciplined Banbury defence. The result keeps the Puritans in 13th, but they will be keen to end the campaign on a positive note as Langmead’s first season in senior management comes to a close. Speaking to Puritans Radio, he hopes that United can go away to Needham Market with some added confidence after Saturday’s defensive resilience.

Away form has been a particular challenge, with Banbury collecting 18 points on the road so far. Improving that record will be a clear focus heading into next season, with their last away victory coming against Spalding United back in late January.

Up front, Golden Boot winner Connor Ferguson will be hoping to rediscover his scoring touch and add to his tally of 10 league goals after a quieter spell in front of goal.

The Marketmen

The Suffolk side come into the fixture requiring a minimum of a point to secure a play-off place. Tom Rothery’s men are in fine form, unbeaten in their last five games, winning four of them. That would’ve been five in a row had it not been for a late Quorn penalty, which meant the game finished 2-2 last Saturday. It is promising signs for an in-form side who look to be peaking at a crucial time of the season.

After relegation from the National League North last season, Needham Market are looking to give themselves the best opportunity of bouncing back up at the first time of asking.

Their home form is the third best in the league this season, collecting 43 points at Bloomfields. The last time they were defeated on home turf was back in late January.

Joe Neal and Luke Ingram are both in double figures for goals this season, and will be looking to add this Saturday against a United side who have kept clean sheets in two of their last three games.

Previous Meetings

Earlier in the season, it finished 0-0 in North Oxfordshire. Banbury’s last visit to Bloomfields came in April 2022, where they ran out 4-1 winners.

United have never been beaten on the eight previous occasions that the teams have met, winning four with four drawn.

Match Preview written by Will Hutchinson