The Puritans travel to Bloomfields looking to get their season back on track after a difficult run of results, with the side having gone four league matches without a victory. Their latest disappointment came on Tuesday evening, when Banbury suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Stratford Town.

Standing in their way are a Needham Market side enjoying an impressive start to the campaign. Kick-off is at 3pm.

The Puritans

It has been a challenging period for the Puritans, who will be eager to put an end to their recent winless run and pick up a much-needed three points.

Banbury have taken just one point from their last three league outings, following a 2-2 draw away at Bury Town with defeats against Worcester City and Leamington. Tuesday’s trip to Stratford Town provided another setback, as the Puritans were beaten 2-1.

With 14 points from their opening 17 league fixtures, Banbury currently sit towards the lower end of the table and will be looking to put some distance between themselves and the sides around the relegation places.

However, there have been positive signs throughout the campaign, and McKay’s side will know that a positive result against one of the division’s higher-flying teams could provide a timely boost.

The Marketmen

Needham Market have enjoyed a considerably stronger start to the season and currently occupy eighth place in the Southern League Premier Central table.

The Suffolk outfit have collected 28 points from their opening 16 league matches, winning eight, drawing four and losing four.

Tom Rothery’s men come into Saturday's encounter in impressive form, having gone unbeaten in their last seven league outings. Their most recent performance saw them record an emphatic 4-1 victory over Stourbridge last weekend, following draws against Redditch United and Leighton Town.

With 36 goals scored in the league so far, Needham Market have demonstrated their attacking capabilities and will pose a significant test for the Banbury defence. Ryan Miles will be one to keep a close eye on.

The hosts will be keen to maintain their momentum and continue their push towards the top of the table. With their last home league defeat coming in August, Saturday will prove another challenge for the Puritans.

Previous Meetings

There is plenty of recent history between the two sides, with Banbury having enjoyed the better of the meetings in recent years.

The most recent encounter came in April 2026, when the Puritans secured an impressive 2-0 victory away at Needham Market on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.

The reverse fixture earlier that season ended in a goalless draw at home, while Banbury also recorded a convincing 4-1 victory at Bloomfields in April 2022.

Needham Market are still searching for their first league victory against Banbury in their last nine meetings, with the Puritans winning five and the remaining four ending in draws.